Riviera Insider Numero 187

SChool SpECIal A 15-page dossier on international schools

art & CUltUrE Japanese wood blocks transport us to the Far East

WINtEr FEStIvalS From Nice Carnival to the FĂŞte du Citron

BUSINESS The new Mercedes-Benz design centre in Sophia

riviera see more, do more, know more

# 187 JanuarY / feBruarY 2020 4,90 â‚Ź The

english-language

magazine

for

The

french

riviera

&

monaco

since

2002

eDiTorial

Happy 2020 everyone! It’s not only a new year, it’s also a new decade.

And what a decade we leave behind! There have been so many changes, it’s hard to even keep up - even this past year has been a whirlwind, especially politically. From an editorial standpoint, covering Brexit in a bi-monthly publication has been quite a challenge. Anything we went to print with was outdated by the time it hit the shelves. And for this issue, we were more unsure than ever before with the pending election.

The start of the new decade could be a fresh start - here’ to hoping for positive change. It should also be an extra motivator for us to stick to those resolutions and if getting fit is one of them, Mimosa is giving free training sessions for the next Nice Cannes Marathon in November. Read about their ‘Couch to Cannes’ program on page 42. There are a few new additions for Riviera Insider, including a new travel section (starting page 46), a new film review column (71) and a funny new column on the outlandish requests experienced by locals in the luxury services sector (82).

Our Alpes-Maritimes special (16) covers the top skiing & snowboarding spots near Nice.

The Business & Finance section is chock-full of news and could have been bigger if there was unlimited space (starting page 57). Check out the incredible projects in the works across the Côte d’Azur from Cannes to Monaco.

Every Jan/Feb issue is our school special, offering an array of local international schools for parents ‘shopping around’ for the right fit for their kid(s). This year’s theme is ‘Raising multilingual children.’ The world is getting smaller and more and more people are living internationally; is being bilingual becoming obsolete? We take a look at what the international bilingual schools are doing to prepare students for a truly global future (starting page 26).

I wish you a wonderful start to this new decade and may we all have a positive and peaceful year. Enjoy the issue! ● NIColE rUSKEll

JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

Editor-in-cheif nicole ruskell discovered her passion for journalism and its ability to connect people while working as the editorial director for academic journals. She has a Masters degree in journalism and over 10 years’ experience in publishing. The California native has worked throughout the French Riviera and Liguria, and is committed to well-being and organic principles. ●

Managing director

Art Director

Bich lecourT

vincenT arTus

was born in Antibes. Since completing her PhD in Economics, she has worked in Sophia Antipolis so is wellacquainted with the business ecosystem and atmosphere of the French Riviera. From architecture to interior design and décor, Bich likes discovering new parts of the region and enjoying the quintessential Côte d’Azur lifestyle. ●

has a gift for transforming visions and ideas into reality.

The Niçois creative takes care of all our communication design from photos to videos to magazines to branding. He has as a penchant for clean lines and playing with white space and has brought a fresh, stylish look to our publication. Vincent is a skilled photographer and videographer. ●

o u r

Sales & marketing franÇoise muller is originally from Dijon, but has been living and working on the Côte d'Azur since 1993. For 14 years, she has thrived on her work in the communications and marketing industry, and is now an enthusiastic member of our team. Her hobbies include literature and sports. ●

JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

Founder PeTra hall established the newspaper Riviera-Côte d’Azur Zeitung (now RivieraZeit) in German 26 years ago. It was followed by The Riviera Times, a magazine that has blossomed into Riviera Insider, in 2003. Her goal was always to provide readers with exciting, informative and unique insights written by professional mother-tongue journalists. She has become an institution in the south of France and Monaco's media landscape in her own right. ●

t e a m

Events & distribution

Secretary

Dominique freulon

carole héBerT

who was born in Paris and has been living on the Côte d'Azur for 15 years, puts maximum energy and dynamism into working in our marketing department.

She is a true 'people person' and has always been an admirer of our magazines.

Her hobbies are travelling in faraway countries and literature. ●

is the heart and soul of the team. Besides dealing with accounting, subscription management and reader concerns, this native of northern France has a knack with numbers and always ensures everything in the office is ticking over perfectly. ●

Sales & marketing PaTrice sainT-léger has been working in the communications sector for more than ten years. After studying business administration and entrepreneurship, our Cannesborn publicist discovered his passion in the advertising business. During his free time, his interests lie in sports and nature. ●

WWW.CHAMPAGNE-PORGEON.FR | 03 26 50 29 46

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CONTENTS

SCHOOL SPECIAL A 15-page dossier

26-40 The Hotlist

Issue #187

SEE MoRE, Do MoRE, kNow MoRE

News from the region

8 - 12 winter festivals

14 - 15

Lifestyle Life Lessons

41 Mimosa: from the couch to Cannes

42 Cover A snowboarder catching air ©Roberto Caucino / Shutterstock.com Below Guy Bourdin Vogue Paris, May 1970 ©The Guy Bourdin Estate 2019, Courtesy Art and Commerce

Alpes-Maritimes

To your Health

News from the slopes

43

16 - 17

Travel Liguria New Princess in Seborga

18

La Cadière d’Azur

46 - 48

Monaco land extension

20 - 21 News from the Principality

22 - 24 International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo

25

Mercedes-Benz opens new design centre

57 - 59 Cannes on Air: If you build it, they will come

60 Gourmet

Monaco

Business & Finance

Les Terraillers

49 winter in Èze

50 The Carlton Restaurant

Palace of festivals: New Reed MIDEM contract

61 A champagne year for Thales Alena Space

62

51 New Chefs at Le Park 45

52 Subtil: Biodynamic wines

54

Art & Culture The Grand masters of Japan

66 The Agenda

68 - 69 Zoom: Guy Bourdin

70 The Cultural Agenda

72 - 73 Events

74 - 75 MYS Wrap-up

77 - 79 Community News from around the region

82 - 83

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riviera

HOTL IST

Baie des Lumières Chinese Culture & lantern festival

Parc Phoenix is lighting up the French Riviera with a special Chinese lantern festival, running until 23 February. The ‘Nice, Baie des Lumières,’ or ‘Nice, Bay of Lights,’ is a massive production of 550 hand-built lanterns depict-ing ancient Chinese history and folklore.

Designed as a journey through Chinese traditions and know-how, the park is illuminated by scenes of daily life and magical landscapes.

Celebrating the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and China, this immense Franco-Chinese project required 30 shipping containers of material, 60 days of transport and 40 days for a team of 40 workers to build the lanterns. Everything was constructed by hand in the park, from the nearly 20-metre Great wall structure to the 50-metre long double dragons!

Each and every piece (except the 40 terra cotta soldier replicas) is constructed of an iron frame covered in handpainted silk. They are illuminated with low-watt LED lights which completely transforms Parc Phoenix into a magical and mystical land, with larger than life characters and a gorgeous double dragon floating on the lake. Illuminated lotus flowers line the stream, adorable pandas are dispersed in nooks and crannies, teapots pour tea over pathways, and statues of great Chinese poets sit quietly amongst the trees. Everywhere you go is a chance to be delighted.

In addition to the lanterns, there are several live performances, including martial arts demonstrations, traditional dances and tea ceremonies. There is a food area where you can taste typical Chinese cuisine (and regular foods for the less adventurous). Either way, this unique festival is sure to be enjoyed by the whole family.

Nice, Baie des Lumières was inaugurated on 29 November with Mayor Christian Estrosi and Shaye Lu, a famous actor and Chinese Ambassador to Nice. The festival continues through the winter season coming to an end the last week of February.

If you’ve ever been curious to experience Chinese culture and celebrations, this is the perfect opportunity - without flying all the way to China, of course. www.baiedeslumieres.com 

PRACTICAL INFO: Baie des Lumières at Parc Phoenix 405, Promenade des anglais, 06200 Nice Open every day from 5.30 pm to 10 pm Tickets: €17 (€12 reduced), children under 5 are free Family pack: €46 (2 adults + 2 children) Take the Tram! Line 2: Parc Phoenix JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

Faites le mâle, Faites le bien

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HOTL IST

Tram Line 2 complete! niCe airport to the port lympia in 26 minutes!

After six years of construction, Nice has brought its "Tram" project to a glorious conclusion. The bright red Tram pulled into the new Port Lympia station on 14 December to great fanfare and a large crowd. Line 2 now takes passengers from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in the west to the port at the eastern border in 26 minutes!

It is the city's most elaborate tram route, a total length of 11.3 kilometres with a 3.2kilometer tunnel below old town and stops at 20 stations. The line forks at the Saint-Augustin stop with directions to either to the airport (both terminals) or north to the Palais Nikaia and the Centre Administratif Départemental (CADAM).

The inaugural voyage departed the airport with Mayor Christian Estrosi aboard with his wife, several city officials and journalists. The journey could be followed on the Mayor’s Instagram story (@cestrosi) as they passed the different stops along the way, some of which he had inaugurated only days earlier. The arrival into the port station brought bursting air and confetti; the crowd then sang the Nice anthem all together.

This final étape brings an end to the tram construction project. In addition to line 2, Line 1 covers Nice-North - Centre - Nice-East; and Line 3 travels from the airport northwards towards Saint-Isidore and the Allianz Stadium. 

© Ville de Nice

Mimosa Coffee morning organise your own event for Charity

In the United kingdom, ‘Coffee mornings’ are a popular fundraising event to support a cancer charity. It started in 1991 and today, businesses, schools and local communities from the southern shores of England to the Scottish Highlands organise little gatherings around a cup of coffee or tea and some home-made pastries. People bake cakes and cookies and serve coffee and tea, all of which are sold for a small fee. while the events raise a significant amount of money overall, the goal of a coffee morning isn’t about raising a lot of money, it is to enjoy time together with the community for a good cause.

Each gathering takes their earnings and submits it a larger fund which then winds up being a substantial donation to charity.

Here in the Côte d’Azur, local cancer charity Mimosa wants to

JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

© Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock.com

replicate this community comradery by encouraging the organisation of our own annual Coffee Morning on 4 February, world Cancer Day. They are looking for businesses and schools to get involved by hosting their own coffe mornings with goodies. All funds raised will go to support local cancer patients and their families.

Interested in hosting your own? Visit their website to register your event and they will provide instructions, tips and flyers.  www.mimosamatters.org

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HOTL IST

© Gerard Taride

Bigger, better, more beautiful!

Just in time for the 50th birthday of the Côte d'Azur's most important shopping for past half-century, the state of the makeover has been unveiled: Cap 3000 in Saint-Laurent-du-Var has not only been completely modernised with bright open ceilings, it has also been enlarged to accommodate an impressive number of international brands.

The operators have attached particular importance to the originality of the new centre across from Nice Airport - and in response to the powerful competitor in Cagnes-sur-Mer, Polygone Riviera. The designers made sure to finally take advantage of the centre’s glorious sea-front location, building floor to ceiling windows, a series of terraces for sun-drenched dining and a walking path along the beach. A 3,600 square-metre, state-of-the-art spa and fitness centre will be opening on the third floor with views across the sea.

Chic restaurants directly by the sea with large sundeck terraces have already been enjoyed by people of all ages. New eateries include Five Guys Burgers, Pret A Manger, Caña Y Tapas (Spanish cuisine), BeefHouse (steakhouse), Vapiano (Italian fare), IT (Italian concept eatery), Super Lobster du Homard (for traditional New England lobster rolls) and more.

New boutiques that have previously been absent in the Côte d'Azur, such as the American brands Victoria's Secret, Adidas, Urban outfitters, Abercrombie & Fitch and the California mega-brand Quicksilver (with a 2-storey concept store called Boardriders) now have a place to call home. There is also the addition of Bang & olufsen, Father & Sons, Free People, Hema, Lollipops, Maison Christian Dior and a new arrival from Paris, Avril organic cosmetics. A total of 180 shops and pubs are housed within the new structure, a tempting way to pass a cold and rainy day!

The shopping experience is completed by a digital aquarium, "oceans", which was developed together with the oceanographic Museum of Monaco. Visitors take a virtual plunge in the depths of the ocean and feel as if fish, sharks and whales are swimming directly around them.

The projected animals seem all the more real as they react to human movement. Admission 8€, children 3€.

And finally, the 700 square-metre Capsule@Cap3000 is completely new.

This innovative concept store, combines young fashion, art, culture and

Cap 3000 shows its new faCe

JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

relaxation (a bookstore with café) with a focus on local artisans.

Visit often as the store is constantly changing composition. 

© CAP 3000

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HOTL IST

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F e s t i v a l s what?

Carnival de Nice The biggest carnival in France and one of the most famous in the world comes back with its share of magic, colours and scents. This year’s theme of the carnival will be the “king of Cinema”. Day and night parades, flower battles and all around wackiness! Be part of this crazy and beautiful event in Nice.

where?

Promenade des Anglais & Place Masséna

when?

16th February to 3rd March

www.nicecarnival.com

the Flower Battle during Nice Carnival © BTWImages / Shutterstock.com

what?

Menton Lemon Festival The 87th Fête du Citron will be celebrating the world’s festivals. this year. This theme is sure to make a wild and colourful edition! Mardi Gras, anyone? with more than 200,000 visitors each year, this beautiful and tasty festival is unique. For 15 days visitors can admire gigantic citrus structures, on display in

the centre of the city. But don’t miss the out-of-this-world nocturnal parades, the Artisan salon or the orchid Festival with its unforgettable scents.

where?

Along the Promenade du Soleil and in the Jardin Biovès.

when?

15 February to 3 March www.fete-du-citron.com 2019 Fête du Citron theme ‘Fantastic Worlds’ © Ville de Menton

what?

Mandelieu-la-Napoule Mimosa Festival

www.ot-mandelieu.fr JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

Created in 1931, the Mimosa Festival has become an essential event that celebrates the bright yellow flower that has been the symbol for the city and for the French Riviera. This year’s theme celebrates ‘La Belle Epoque’. Each year, they crown the ‘Queen of Mimosa,’ taking place on Saturday 22 February at 2 pm at the Expo Congress Centre (free ad-

mission). The Corso Fleuri will be on Sunday with elaborate floats accompanied by musicians, street artists, troops and machinery all decked out in Belle Epoque style. Places can be reserved online.

where?

Mandelieu-la-Napoule, Promenade du bord de mer

when?

19 - 26 February

riviera

what?

BormesLes-Mimosas Flower Parade The “Corso Fleuri” celebrates its 100th anniversary this year!

There is sure to be a grand celebration over and above the usual grand parade of floats covered in more than 80,000 bright and beautiful flowers (mimosa, white heather, windflowers, carnations

HOTL IST

15

etc.). The floats make their way around the streets of the village.

Admission 6€, children up to 10 free. Parade at 2.30 pm.

where?

In the village

when?

23 February

www.corso-fleuri-bormes.com Bormes-les-Mimosas Flower parade © D.R.

what?

where?

Tourrettes-Sur-Loup Violet Festival

Throughout the village

This mountain-top village has been celebrating its symbol flower since 1952. The weekend programme includes a market of local specialties, culinary treats made with violets, live music and more. Full programme online.

when?

29 February – 1st Mar

www.tourrettessurloup.com

violet festival in tourrettes-sur-loup © D.R.

what?

Festival de Sainte Blaise ‘Valbonne demain,’ or Valbonne of tomorrow, is the theme of this year's lively Saint-Blaise winter festival in the friendly village above Sophia-Antipolis. on the 25th and 26th of January, local producers will present their products in the square and in the streets - cheese, vegetables, honey, jam, flowers... on Saturday, at the Bermond farm in Garbejaïre, cooking demonstrations by famous chefs from the Côte d'Azur will take place. The evening will end with a concert by the "Suo Tempore" choir at the Saint-Blaise village church.

Sunday traditionally begins with a mass (sung by the Académie Provençale de Cannes), followed by the blessing of local products and a wine tasting. Around 2 pm, the classical carnival procession follows with flower-decorated floats on the theme mentioned

at the beginning, lots of music and street artists.

where?

Along the Promenade du Soleil and in the Jardin Biovès.

when?

25 -26 January

Fête de Sainte Blaise, valbonne © D.R.

www.valbonn.fr JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

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ALPES-MARITIMES

GET YOUR SKI ON...

News from the slopes

© Roberto Caucino / Shutterstock.com

SKI RESORTS IN THE ALPES-MARITIMES The big three: auron isola 2000 valberg The smaller ones: La Colmiane-valdeblore roubion-Les Buisses Beuil-Les Launes Gréolières-les-Neiges L'audibergue-La Moulière val-Pelens Turini-Camp-d'argent Casterino Tende

JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

O

ur heavy December rainstorms wreaked havoc in many seaside cities, but up in the Alps, it brought us copious amounts of snow very early in the season. This has been a boon for many of the ski resorts as the season got off to a good start.

Investments were made, as usual, in many of the popular downhill ski resorts in the Maritime Alps. In Valberg, new digitised snow-making systems are used to ensure the best possible skiing pleasure - while at the same time reducing water consumption and electricity.

Valberg is also the first ski resort in the Southern Alps to be awarded the "Flocon vert" label, which - similar to the blue flags for beaches - is awarded to sustainably operated ski resorts.

The highest ski area in the Alpes-Maritimes, Isola 2000 (42 pistes, 20 lifts) is now equipped with a new FIS downhill slope. The 1,600 metre long race track has a difference in

FRANCE TAKES 2ND according to stats from 2017/18 (2018/19 not available at time of print), France was second in the world in terms of the number of day ski passes sold: austria:

54,5 Million France:

53,8 Million Usa:

53,3 Million in fourth place, far behind, is italy, with around 30 million.

ALPES-MARITIMES

riviera

altitude of 380 metres, is on average 40 metres wide and at its steepest point the gradient is 82 per cent. Get ready for the French Ski Championships in March!

Isola 2000 is known for its reliability of snow and at the same time for its sunshine. The season here doesn’t end this year until 19 April.

In Auron (135 km of pistes, 17 lifts), there will be another slope with snow cannons this winter: the Piste du Riounet. The almost Alpine-looking ski resort in the Tinée Valley is equipped with a highly modern snow-ma-

king system, which is one of the most efficient in Europe. The ski resort's 440 cannons are automatically controlled, and Auron has been chosen as the test centre for a new generation of snow-making systems.

In addition, several luxury residential complexes are under way in this charming little town.

Insider tip: Skiers can get bargains for Isola 2000 and Auron on Tuesdays evenings: ski passes are offered online at half price (single and multi-day passes) from 8 pm onwards. www.auron-skipass.com. 

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18/19 JaNUary ISoLA 2000 XsPeeD who's the fastest? open competition for all skiers.

13 -27 FebrUary AURoN Children's torchlight Descent and Fireworks from 6:30 pm to 8 pm on the Riou Trail every Thursday of the school holidays with mulled wine & hot chocolate offered.

16 FebrUary VALBERG truffle market A day dedictated to the truffle, with tastings. Place Charles Ginésy.

21 - 23 FebrUary AURoN les artistes au sommet Artists from the French Riviera, exhibit their works in the central square. Plus a perfomance on the ice rink on Saturday.

22 - 23 rustic huts invite you to take a sun break in the auron ski area © A. Stöckmann

WHAT'S GOING ON? FACTS & FIGURES  250

ski resorts in France  10 million winter tourists, including 7 million skiers  More than 120,000 jobs depend on winter sports  €9 billion are spent every winter in France's ski resorts (accommodation, ski passes, meals, etc.)  a skier spends €81 per day on average  France takes 1st place for the most ski lifts in the world: 3,268  €26.60 euros was the average price for a day ski pass last season

FebrUary ISoLA 2000 extreme Carving First Limbo Challenge organized in France. open to all types of slides.

Dare to challenge the extreme carving Isoliens.

10-11 JaNUary ISoLA 2000 trophy andros Car racing on ice with professional racers

18 - 24 JaNUary AURoN les Chefs au sommet Under the patronage of Negresco chef Virginie Basselot, some of the region's best chefs invite you to the 8th Gourmet Festival in the wintry mountain village. Cheap and good food is the order of the day this week!

7 MarCh AURoN snowday Challenge Charity event of the "Ligue contre le cancer des Alpes-Maritimes" in the fight against cancer.

13 - 15 MarCh ISoLA 2000 + AURoN FsGt French Championships 70th edition of the Ski Alpin & Snowboarding championships.

JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

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L IFESTYLE

seborga's first princess is a German woman a landslide victory for Nina Döbler-Menegatti By pEtra hall

t wasn't actually a surprise: Nina was already the princess in the hearts of the Seborgian people before her election.

Now she will officially lead the affairs of the self-proclaimed state above Bordighera for seven years. Previously, she had held the office of Foreign Minister and made the small principality known far beyond its borders with great enthusiasm.

After the resignation of Prince Marcello I, three candidates had applied for the presidency: Nina Döbler-Menegatti, Laura di Bisceglie, daughter of the late Prince Giorgio I, and the former Minister Secondo Messagli. The Crown Council decided to line up the two women unique in the history of Seborga. with a turnout of 78.95 percent (195 of 247 eligible voters), Nina won with 122 votes. "I can't believe it," was Nina’s first reaction. Last year she became the mother of a little girl with hersband Marcello, whom she met at the age of 14 while attending a grammar school in Montreux.

"I have a lot of ideas that I want to implement".

She had conciliatory words for her opponent: "It was not easy to stand up to Laura, who is very well known in Seborga. For the well-being

i

liguria and the Côte d'azur Chambers of Commerce agree to cooperate

JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

of the place we should work together". on the basis of historical documents, Seborga had declared its independence from the Italian state in the last century. They have Seborgan passports, the "Luigino" minted coin, license plates and even diplomatic branches abroad such as in Munich-Bogenhausen. Its extensive action program includes the reform of the state statutes, the digitalization of administrative procedures, the opening of a museum, the construction of a luxury hotel for which the land has already been purchased, and much more.

It was the mimosa breeder Giorgio Carbone who discovered in the 1960s that Seborga obviously never belonged to Italy. In the 18th century, the smallest principality in Europe was to be sold to the Savoy dynasty, but this was never recorded anywhere on record. And then it was simply forgotten - in the founding treaty of the Italian state of 1861 as well as in the statutes of the Italian Republic of 1946.

According to Carbone, this was the striking proof of the independence of his home town.

The population followed the charismatic hobby historian with enthusiasm. Some may smile about the story, but it has definitely made Seborga a tourist attraction. And residents as well as their princes take Seborga's history seriously.

After Carbone’s death in 2009, the Swiss building contractor Marcello Menegatti, who lives

t almost sounds like a déjàvu: the Nice Côte d'Azur Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Commerce of the provinces of Imperia, Savona and La Spezia have agreed on cross-border cooperation to boost the competitiveness and modernisation of their respective local economies.

This partnership aims, among other things, at joint actions such as the creation of businesses and consequently jobs, training of tourism professionals, environmental protection, spatial planning and the improvement of public transport. The first step will be to tackle industrial zones and the related search for available land.

For the time being, the cooperation will be limited to one year, but can be extended at the re-

I

Nina Menegatto, Seborga’s newly elected princess

in nearby Monaco, was elected Prince. He resigned in 2019 for private reasons.

Now Nina Döbler-Menegatti, 41, is the leader of Seborga - a figure of light from kempten in the Allgäu region in Germany. Her charm, radiant smile and warm-heartedness predestined her for this challenge. Her language skills - she is fluent in Italian, English, German and French - her MBA in marketing at the University of Monaco and her 15 years of experience as head of a construction company make her an ideal candidate.

The Menegattis have been living in Monaco for a long time, but Nina says she spends most of her time in Seborga, where she maintains a kind of farm with numerous animals and is intensively involved in the interests of the beautifully situated village. "My heart is attached to this very special place," she says.

Nina Döbler-Menegatti: an enchanting and down-to-earth princess of whom many other states can only dream! 

quest of both sides. The vice-president of the Ligurian Chamber of Commerce, Enrico Lupi, spoke out very eloquently on this occasion. Also his counterpart from the CCI Nice Côte d'Azur, Jean-Pierre Savarino, did not spare promises of a great common future. In his speech, Lupi pointed out that such partnerships have a long tradition, which he is absolutely right. Some time ago, an agreement was signed between the Côte d'Azur, Liguria and Piedmont with the help of EU funds. However, we do not really know what the concrete outcome was. Now a new, commendable cross-border partnership is to be launched - not easy, considering the gigantic differences between the two regions on an economic and cultural basis. whether this new attempt will again be supported by the EU was not communicated. 

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MONACO

Monaco’s €2.4 billion land extension

principality of Monaco – SaM l’anse du portier – renzo piano Building Workshop – valode & pistre architectes – Michel Desvigne paysagiste © D.R.

europe’s most ambitious construction project

F

or more than 150 years, Monaco has adapted its urban planning to the narrowness of its territory. The Principality is constantly shaping its urban landscape through major structural projects in order to meet the requirements of its demographic growth, economic attractiveness and sustainable development. In the last century, 20% of Monaco’s surface area has been reclaimed from the sea. The continuing evolutions of construction technologies and new architectural concepts allow the development of ever more innovative and daring structures. That is why the Prince’s Government launched a call for applications in May 2013 for the construction of a new district through an urbanisation project at the foot of Larvotto beach, with a total gross area of 166,500m².

Part of the larger ‘Extension en Mer’ project of JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

Grand caisson © Bouygues TP

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300,000m². This also includes 60,000 m² of luxurious, energy-efficient residences, boutiques, an extension of the Grimaldi Forum, a landscaped park and a small marina.

This project called ‘Anse du Portier’ responds to the Principality’s objective for an ambitious energy transition regarding its commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (becoming carbon neutral by 2050) and to satisfy the need for growth in a dynamic and modern country. The biggest challenge of this mega project is to design and apply construction methods with minimal impact on the environment.

Although it appears to be poised, as if it were weightless, a few metres above the Mediterranean, the eco-district of ‘Anse du Portier’ will be firmly anchored to an underwater infrastructure. This infrastructure is essentially composed of two elements: the backfill and the caisson belt. These structures are located in the open sea and are therefore subject to significant physical strain.

a cement garter belt The caisson belt is a 500-metre long sinuous superstructure. It was constructed like a puzzle, between July 2018 and July 2019 and consists of 18 concrete ‘caissons’, assembled one by one, 200 metres from the Monaco coastline. The main purpose is to protect the new district currently being built.

Seventeen caissons weighing 10,000 tons upon arrival in Monaco and 22,000 tons once

installed, form the ‘belt’. An additional 18th caisson is equipped with a swimming pool, located at the entrance of the ‘Port d'Animation’.

The shape and dimensions of this work are the result of studies that include two factors: one is the natural environment: the strength of the swell and waves, the particular currents in this geographical area, the effects of ongoing climate change and the different scenarios of a rising sea level. The second is the constraint of the architectural choices: For its designers, Renzo Piano, Alexandre Giraldi, Denis Valode and Michel Desvigne, the future ‘Anse du Portier’ district is an urban maritime structure. Contrary to what is generally done in offshore construction, all onshore buildings will be as close as possible to the sea (six metres above sea level) and only ten metres from the coast.

respecting nature The significant use of renewable energies is another important asset of the project.

Photovoltaic panels on buildings, including the Grimaldi Forum, will generate 40% of conventional energy demands. A thermal loop will provide 80% of thermal comfort. The roofs will be able to collect rainwater the arid Mediterranean plants.

Eco-design methods that promote the development of biodiversity were implemented from the start of the project. wire gabions mounted one on top of the other

MONACO

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along the caissons form a vertical corridor, providing hiding places and allow wildlife to move up towards the surface. A reed bed (vines) imitating Posidonia will complete this system later on.

The ‘Anse du Portier’ is an unexpected setting for fauna and flora but thanks to a series of very special devices specifically developed for this offshore extension, plants, algae and marine animals are encouraged to colonise the submerged caissons.

Finally, 20 metres below the surface, where each caisson rests on the backfill, a bench lies between the edge of the caisson and the backfill slope.

Before the filling of area with backfill, the trapped fish had been caught as best as possible and released at the edge of the neighbouring Larvotto marine reserve.

Fish traps as well as anglers from the Monegasque Fishing Association were used for the campaign.

completion Part of the quays of the Port d’Animation will be built this year, although the civil engineering of the port itself will not be completed until 2024. Completion of the new district will be in 2025.

‘Anse du Portier’ is the most ambitious project ever created in Europe - an outstanding masterpiece of airy and refined architecture, in harmony with the Mediterranean. 

ON SOLID GROUND With the end of 2019, six hectares have been added to Monegasque territory.

Quarry sand has displaced 450,000 cubic meters of water with 750,000 tonnes of sand from pits near Marseille and the Piombino area in Tuscany.

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Wave energy Converter Monaco tests a novelty system for green power lean energy at a low cost: From 2021, a prototype of the "wave Energy Converter" will be tested in Monegasque waters. The system uses the energy of waves to generate electricity - a technological breakthrough in the field of renewable energy, the developers promise.

For a test period of twelve months, the world's first prototype of the SBM wave Energy Converter, developed by SBM offshore, will be deployed in front of the helipad in MonacoFontvieille. The prototype has already been tested in the laboratory and now has to prove itself at sea before it can be marketed.

Electricity for 3000 households daily: The reliable, efficient and environmentally friendly system could replace nuclear power plants, the manufacturer says. After ten years of laboratory research, the government of Monaco and SBM offshore have presented the model to the

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Principality. The idea: Flexible rubber hoses anchored to the seabed follow the movements of the waves and convert them directly into electricity.

The road to commercialization is still long: the main problem with the shaft motor is the high maintenance required, which is caused above all by the steel structures at risk of corrosion.

The expected service life of the system is 20 to 25 years. Starting in 2021, a 60 meter long hose (diameter: 1.20 meters) will be used at a

depth of around four meters on the Monaco coast for about twelve months and will be continuously monitored.

The conditions in Monaco are ideal for testing the efficiency and operational capability of the entire system. In the long term, however, the Mediterranean and Monegasque waters are not suitable for the commercial generation of electricity from wave energy, say the developers. The goal is the high seas with stronger waves.  pB

public space and become more attractive.

The government promises that the renovation work will of course be carried out in accordance with the latest environmental standards. The project will not happen overnight - beach goers

will have to wait until next summer; the restaurants and shops will also not re-open until July 2021.

In January 2022, the beautification work is scheduled to be fully completed. 

larvotto gets a facelift even Monaco's beaches get work done

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n keeping with the new district of Monaco, the neighbouring Larvotto beach is currently closed for a bit of revamping. But come next summer, it will shine in new

splendour.

The restaurants and shops have been empty since the beginning of october, and access to the beach is prohibited while works are underway. The large-scale construction site has several missions: Firstly, breakwaters are to be built in between the existing dams in order to better protect the beach and the adjoining restaurants.

Secondly, the restaurants and boutiques along the beach, which will then be able remain open year round, ‘need a little work’ to create more JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

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town planning Fontvieille to become more modern

xciting plans to enliven the somewhat remote Fontvieille district: a sustainable urbanisation programme decided at the beginning of December includes the planting of 2000 trees and the possible construction of a cable car leading up to the rocher (photo). The proposed idea looks very futuristic!

In addition to all the green ideas, commerce will not be neglected: the current commercial area will be doubled to 30,000 square meters - with a modernized and enlarged Carrefour supermarket, cinema complex, more parking spaces and 41 new apartments. Planned completion set for 2027. ď ¸

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eXPO 2020 DUbai OPMC gives music to the Pavillon de Monaco sign of the great involvement of Monegasque organizations for EXPo 2020 DUBAI - the MonteCarlo Philharmonic orchestra is already at work! Indeed, Master kazuki Yamada has agreed to record the music of the Pavillon de Monaco composed by Dédé Truqui, as well as the score of the final show cowritten with Didier Benetti.

Dédé Truqui played for years with Aimé Barelli's band at the Sporting Club parties. This musician

is renowned in the region for his love of Monegasque and Nice traditions through his songs, poems, sketches and parodies. His "Monegasque Fantasy" combines tradition and modernity, with several motifs: "Homage to Princess Grace" (Irish music), "Homage to Prince Rainier", "The rise of Prince Albert II" and a farandole with a nod to the Monegasque anthem and the Marquisat des Baux. Like the Pavilion, this Fantasy highlights all the facets of the Principality - a 360° Monaco.

The much anticipated EXPo 2020 DUBAI will take place from october 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021. 

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venTuri & merceDes. Monaco's E-racing stable Venturi has teamed up with Mercedes. In the 2019/2020 season, which began at the end of November, the Monegasque racing team began using parts of the German manufacturer: among other things the cooling system, the rear frame, the dampers, the software and the engine. The motivation is the increased competition in series production. A cooperation with Mercedes was obvious: Venturi team boss Susie wolff is the wife of Mercedes motorsport boss Toto wolff.

Felipe Massa and Edoardo Mortara remain on board as drivers. An electric race in Monaco is not on the calendar this year.  sTarT Your engines! As usual, the roads in and around the Principality will be full of motorsport in January: with the 88th Monte-Carlo Rally (20 - 26 January) and the 23rd edition for classic cars (29 January - 5 February), Monaco's Automobile Club will once again be offering fun and show for rally fans. The official starting signal for the Monte-Carlo Rally will be given on Thursday, 23 January at 5 pm at the Casino Square in the Principality. on Sunday, 26 January, the winners will be honoured at Quai Albert Ier starting at 3 pm.  The Prince in PoTsDam. Prince Albert II was the main speaker at a climate symposium at the Hasso Plattner Institute in Potsdam at the beginning of December. Rolling up in an electric SUV, he gave a ten-minute speech on the challenges of climate change in the lecture hall. In the evening, the Prince's Foundation hosted a reception at the (Plattner) Museum Barberini. Also present: actor Francis Fulton-Smith as a member of the foundation's advisory board. 

ban Ki-Moon awarded by the Prince an ki-moon, former SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations, was awarded the Grande Médaille Albert Ier in Monaco last November. The award was presented in recognition of his commitment to environmental protection during his tenure of office, which culminated in the adoption of the "Agenda 2030 for Sustainable De-

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velopment" by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. It sets out 17 universally applicable goals (Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs for short), which all 193 member states undertake to implement by 2030. Goal number 14 stands for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources. Last year, Professor Lisa Ann Levin also received the annual award for services to marine conservation from the oceanographic Institute and Prince Albert's Foundation. The oceanologist and co-founder of the Deep ocean Stewardship Initiative (DoSI) is investigating the impact of climate change on benthic life in the bottom zone of the ocean. 

Women PoWer. Two German power women have recently joined for a common cause in the principality. Gemmologist and jewellery designer Elke Berr and her friend Helga Piaget spent a few days together at the Hôtel des Ventes MonteCarlo. Elke Berr put exclusive pieces of jewellery up for sale there. The gemstone specialist, whose creations are worn on the red carpet in Cannes, for example, lives in Geneva but is a regular guest in Monaco. Helga Piaget, a member of the Swiss watchmaking dynasty, presented her non-profit organisation "Passion Sea", which is committed to protecting the seas and drinking water.  aTTenTion Drivers! official residents of Monaco who are not of Monegasque nationality must have their driving licence reissued within one year of being granted the status as a resident. The service of the Titres de Circulation is responsible. Those who miss the deadline must take at least three driving lessons in a Monegasque driving school and take an exam. 

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Monaco’s Circus Festival the world’s best acrobats strut their stuff

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n 16 January, the Principality will once again become the global circus capital with the 44th International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo, as well as the 9th New Generation Festival (1st and 2nd of February), which is the only competition in the world totally dedicated to young artists in a ring.

Under the presidency of H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie, these two events will reward the best artists with Gold Clowns and Juniors, in front of an audience who will get to witness their skills in the Fontvieille big top. Les Clowns en Folie, the emblematic band of clowns that has been at the Festival for over 20 years, will welcome the audience to the big top with a wide repertoire of music.

This year’s edition will pay tribute to the horse: Arabian horses, Friesians, and Spanish and Portuguese stallions will all be presented by a team of horsemen from the Swiss national

circus knie. The greatest circus family names will be in the ring, including Ivan knie, Maicol and the wioris Errani Caroussel.

The courier act and liberty horses will be the highlight, but acrobatics is the cornerstone of traditional circus. These amazing performers include an incredible flying plates act from China, with 16 young ladies balancing six poles in each hand, topped with spinning plates. They perform dizzying hand-to-hand balancing tricks.

The Flying Tuniziani are nine artistes who work in a double line to perform a successions of tricks 10 metres high. They do double somersaults with pirouettes, triple pike somersaults and double somersaults with double pirouettes caught by their feet. It is a unique performance in the world.

Sandro Montez has been passionate about animals since his childhood. He created a dog act that blows away the audience, playing with

© Gouvernement Princier

his border collies, Belgian papillons and Chihuahuas in the most incredible way. The audience won’t be able to tell who is having more fun, the trainer or the dogs!

The Extreme Fly Bar act is made of four young Ukrainian gymnasts who have been very successful since they changed career and now perform spectacular tricks on three bars.

Leaping from one bar to the next, the synchronisation in their act is perfect.

Finally, Elastic, a Belgian theatre clown will enthral the audience with hilarious surprises.

This famous Monegasque tradition is fun for the whole family, bringing together young and old to enjoy the magic of the circus!  www.montecarlofestival.com

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© Syda Productions / Shutterstock.com

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Contents

raising multilingual children

By NIColE rUSKEll

ne of the biggest effects of our ‘Digital Age’ is how much closer it has brought the world.

The Internet has dissolved borders and given us apps that connect individuals and businesses with ‘followers’ or potential customers anywhere on the planet. whether on Social Media apps, dating apps, or gaming apps, we communicate instantly with the world through the small phone taking up permanent residence in our hand.

Technology has made our world more accessible and made people more mobile. Companies are now hiring candidates from multipke countries, like we see here in Sophia-Antipolis. This has led to many multi-national families trying to decide how to educate their children and what language to speak at home. Do you send your child to a French school and only speak your language in the home? will your children learn English properly?

Most international schools in the region offer bilingual curriculum, which can solve two problems but what if you speak another language in the home? will your child be literate in that language? ‘‘we no longer live in a monolinguistic world,’’ says Gina wattel of Les Colibris Montessori school. Speaking only one language is obsolete. ‘Bi-lingual’ is new norm and for many people - even many countries the average person leaves school speaking two languages fluently.

Anglophones have had it the easiest, as people’s second language is usually English. But even two languages are rapidly becoming obsolete. English still reins king as the international language but to be a citizen of the world and be competitive in a global market, being multi-lingual will soon be the new norm.

In our annual school special, we feature several local international schools that begin with a bi-lingual curriculum and continue from there. we start with People & Baby, a bilingual nursery who offer English more for the parents arriving from abroad than for the babies; Les Colibris Montessori school in Sophia Antipolis, run by a multilingual woman who believes the more languages we know, the more we understand people; and we make our way to the International School of Monaco, who offer mother-tongue support classes in several languages to ensure literacy in the language spoken at home. There are many other schools as well, so get reading!

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Hipe Kids Teaching english around the world

28 People & Baby Taking the stress out of moving to France

29 Mimosa school Drive Taking kids’ health into our own hands

30 A new Montessori Middle School Les Colibris extends their class offering

31 EIB bilingual schools Four schools serving the riviera

32 Every child has potential New direction for Mougins School

33 Future ready at ISN innovation, sustainability and the neomillenial learner

34 EBICA International School What is a 21st century international education?

35 International School of Monaco experts in Multi-lingual education

36 The need for a public bussiness school Discussion with iae Director

38 International University of Monaco 30 years of excellence

39 international school listing

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hIPE KIdS teaching english around the world

By NIColE rUSKEll

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he Internet has brought so many changes in our everyday life. There is almost nothing that hasn’t been affected in some way by the world wide web. It is education that is perhaps the most affected. From all the information available at our fingertips to online courses and even distance certificates at top universities, the days of needing to sit in a classroom to learn are over. But learning to speak a new language properly needs one-onone time with native speakers. Sure, grammar can be learned in a book and phrases from an app, but fluid conversation, understanding people with different accents and building confidence to speak up requires consistent conversation.

HiPe kids is a new Sophia Start-up with the perfect solution, offering one-on-one English lessons with qualified, native-English teachers in the comfort of the student’s home. Utilizing video-conferencing tools, teachers create lesson plans according to the needs of the student, whether they want to practice conversation, go over their school work or plan for an exam. Created by Carmina Catena and El Mehdi Benrahhalate, HiPe kids developed a program of face-to-face English lessons that easily fit into anyone’s schedule.

Fresh off their win for Best Lightweight Pitch at Get in the Ring (GITR) Sophia, we spoke with founder, Carmina Catena about how Hipe kids is breaking all the moulds. In fact, it’s their inno-

© Fernando Cortes / Shutterstock.com

vative approach to teaching English means there aren’t many others doing what they do, a real key to them securing the judges’ votes.

HiPe kids’ flexibility allows students to keep up with their conversations even when on holiday.

“There is often the problem of students stopping their lessons over summer holidays and then losing the progress they made,” Carmina points out. A 25-minute lesson, once a week, no matter where in the world the student is allows them to keep up their progress.

What to expect with a lesson when a student signs up, they will have a free 15-minute session with Carmina where she will have the student talk and asses their level.

The student is then free to choose their teacher, all qualified in the Cambridge English curriculum. All teachers are native English speakers and located in different areas of the

world (Canada, France, South Africa, etc). This can accommodate a time difference, as HiPe kids has students in Europe, Asia and Africa.

The other benefit of international teachers is a difference in accent. Carmina explains that they make sure students change the teacher occasionally so that they don’t get too used to understanding only one accent. “Students can sometimes get attached to their teacher as they build a relationship, but it’s so important for their comprehension to speak with someone else.”

They take students from age 3 to 21 and from basic grammar to specialised business English.

There is complete flexibility in the number of lessons and no commitment. After each lesson, a video file is sent to the parents to review, see the progress their child is making and for the student to replay and listen to how they speak. 

VILLENEuVE FOREST SChOOL Kidooland’s newest place to learn english imover the last 12 years, kidooLand has helped nearly 6000 families through a range of classes run entirely in English for Mums & Babies, Parents & Toddlers, International Playgroups, weekly English classes and activities as well as intensive holiday workshops for children aged 3 to 16 years. kidooLand’s success is based on its first-class reputation as one of JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

the best preschool and after school English learning centres on the Côte d’Azur. Nicknamed “la petite école anglaise” by its clients, kidooLand is renowned for its unique, simulating and interactive teaching programme, which enables children not only to become bilingual but also encourages them to be confident, creative, resilient and independent individuals.

kidooLand is always looking for new ways to engage children in English language learning and their educational programme relies heavily on the use of innovative learning situations to stimulate and inspire children: science experiments, cookery, theatre and role play, dance and movement, yoga, Lego challenges, games, debates, arts and crafts, gardening and much, much more.

In october 2019, kidooLand launched its first ever Forest School classes for parents and toddlers from its newly opened centre located in the heart of Villeneuve-Lou-

bet village, just a stone’s throw from the Rives du Loup park. Forest School is a dream come true for kidooLand’s director, Antonia Beauvoisin-Brown: “At kidooLand we believe that to be effective, all learning must be interactive, creative, positive and fun! In Forest School, our parents and toddlers learn to love and respect the plants and creatures with whom we share this planet through a range of physical, cognitive, linguistic and social activities. we’re outdoors in the fresh air, we get mucky, we have fun and, of course, all of that takes place entirely in English too!” 

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PEOPLE & BABy taking the stress out of moving to France

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eople and Baby is an internationally focused brand of bi-lingual nurseries, catering particularly to families new to France. Riviera Insider spoke with Aurelie Jean, Director of operations for the Alpes-

Maritimes about how her company is helping families settle in the area.

“It’s difficult for new families here,” explains Aurelie. “when you don’t speak French, it’s difficult to settle, it’s difficult to ask questions, it’s difficult to assimilate.”

People & Baby takes the worry out of childcare and provides a safe, loving environment.

The chain of nurseries offers not only bi-lingual child care in French and English, but most importantly, all information for the parents is in English, from documents to child-related procedures and medical requirements in France. “The French system is not easy to navigate,” she says. “we make sure all our information and communications are in English.”

The Sophia-Antipolis location is surrounded by large multi-national companies, many of which work with People & Baby. Aurelie explains that their main clientele is actually the companies themselves, buying spots in the nursery for their international employees. They subsidise the child-care so that families don’t pay more than the cost of a public nursery.

Companies like Toyota, Thales, Amadeus and others need to be competitive to hire the best candidates. Providing worry-free childcare in English is a new concept, but makes for an extremely attractive hiring package. “Nothing has been done to support employee’s families before but com-

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panies now know that not worrying about childcare improves performance, employee retention and lessons time off.”

People & Baby take in children from several different nationalities, including Danish, Japanese, and Italian - the common language is English. The nursery’s bi-lingual environment ensures that children hear both English and French from the earliest ages.

“The most important thing in fluency is getting the ear used to hearing the language.

It is the foundation of bi-lingual speaking without an accent in either language.” keenly aware of the mix of cultures, they ensure they celebrate fun things that keep the children aware of cultural habits they may not otherwise learn in a French nursery. over and above the bi-lingual aspect and the English services, People & Baby is a fullservice nursery taking children from as young as 10 weeks and up to two years of age. They serve organic food prepared onsite and have a doctor who works with them for all necessary things, from diet to vaccination requirements.

There are 11 locations within the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var, with many more locations throughout France. Aurelie points out that if families need to relocate within the region or within France, their child’s spot can easily be transferred to another location. Yet another way they focus on taking the stress out of child-care. 

We offer your child an international environment from even the youngest age! information and registration

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N’A ’ATTTENDS PA AS DEMAIN, PR RENDS TA A SANTÉ EN MAIN N!

MIMOSA SChOOL dRIVE

LIGUONS-N NOUS POUR

GAGNER G

ORGANISÉ PAR LA LIGUE CONTRE LE CANCER DES ALPES-MARITIMES MARITIMES & MIMOSA

ÊTRE ACTEUR EUR DE SA SANTÉ NTÉ DÉVELOPPER PER SA CRÉATTIVITÉ T PA ARTICIPER ER À UNE ACTION SOLIDAIRE S

taking kid’s health into your own hands

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urrently, in France, it is estimated that one in two children will develop cancer during their lifetime. with frightening statistics like this, a local association on the French Riviera, Mimosa, is launching an education program aimed at primary school children focused on Cancer Prevention.

Mimosa is a charitable association dedicated to raising funds to provide awareness, education, help cancer research and support patients and loved ones with cancer in the South of France.

Throughout the year, Mimosa organises numerous sports and cultural events, from which the funds are donated to frontline Cancer-fighting organisations such as Le Ligue contre le Cancer Alpes-Maritimes.

Mimosa has developed an education programme for children in partnership with La Ligue

contre le Cancer 06. The campaign will begin with nutritional workshops aimed at primary school children, tailored to CP to CM2 classes. A nutritionist and a fruit sculptor will go into the classrooms and bring to life the importance of a balanced diet and healthy eating by way of interactive games and fun activities. The main goal of this programme is to develop the knowledge, understanding and ownership of health and nutrition and for children to realise that they are the key player in their own wellbeing.

As Juliette Clarkin, President of Mimosa says, “we know that 40% of cancers could be prevented by changes in behaviour. And therefore we at Mimosa are passionate that the younger generations are properly equipped to make better and more informed decisions regarding their health and ultimately adopt healthy behaviours

ThE FIRST ORgANIC COLLEgE Mouans-sartoux expands their bio cantine

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ast year, we did an article on Mouans-Sartoux (“The little town that could”) and their innovative programme to slash food waste and make their JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

By NIColE rUSKEll

elementary school cafeterias 100% organic. It was the very first town in France to achieve it and the students responded more positively than anyone could have imagined.

that will stand to them in later life.”

Not only will the workshops teach children the importance of nutrition, but there will also be “homework” for the whole family to do, ensuring that these important messages make their way into the home. All the classes taking part in these modules will be invited to participate in an art competition to bring to life the messages they have learned and help deliver a positive message around Cancer Prevention. This is an excellent way to spread the message to the rest of the school. The resulting artwork will be exhibited at The Mini Mimosa kids Fun Run event, which takes place on 17 May at The Stade du Fort Carée, in Antibes.

This is the first of many Cancer prevention modules that Mimosa and La Ligue contre le Cancer wish to develop and implement in primary schools across the region. As further modules are finalised, they will be rotated into the school schedule.

If you would like further information about these Cancer prevention workshops or if you would like to sign your class up to take part, please contact info@mimosamatters.org

In fact, the healthy food and nutrition lessons in the local farm so impressed the young children that they demanded their parents eat better. The funny thing about kids, though, is that they grow up.

And perhaps even more surprising than children disciplining their parents to eat better is the children growing into teenagers and demanding better food from their school. when Riviera Insider spoke with Mayor Pierre Aschieri last year, he said the requests were heard and they were in the process of changing the middle school as well. It has taken a while to organise, but at the beginning of November 2019, La Chenaie collège served its first 100% organic lunch.

The brilliance of the MouansSartoux model is that despite higher costs for organic produce, they are able to balance the difference by reduction in waste and a municipal plan to bring farming local. This combination offsets the slight increase in costs and keeps the meals at a steady set price for families. That has not only put this small town on the map, but it has also been the subject of many studies. The little town is now used as an international model for other towns and cities to emulate. what will be next for this Pays de Grasse? Perhaps Mayor Aschieri will be able to implement this all the way to the lycée, like he wishes he could. 

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A NEW MONTESSORI MIddLE SChOOL les Colibris extends their class offering

By NIColE rUSKEll

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not discuss a long-term education plan for their child.

For years, Directors Gina and Nicolas wattel have been working on adding the next phase of the school. Much preparation has gone into the new class because the curriculum and environment are completely different for the older students. The foundation of the Montessori Method is based around creating a classroom that meets the developmental stages of the children. In the earliest classes, the learning tools are designed for developing sensory awareness and fine motor skills.

Then on to language, mathematics, problem-solving, etc. At the adolescent phase, the classroom is designed to teach life skills and responsibilities. The classroom environment is therefore structured like a home, with a kitchen and working area that the students must keep up. They work on projects together, create products which they sell at their own market and much more. The national French curriculum is met through a series of projects and interdisciplinary work, often with visiting professionals from different fields such as local engineers and experts who give hands-on demonstrations.

The new collège for 12 - 15-year-olds will start in September 2020 and will be one of the first bi-lingual French/English Montessori colleges in France. Applications for the new classes will be taken during their open days in March and May, or through individual appointment. The school welcomes the community to come and check out the school. “we want parents and children to come to see the classrooms, to see the environment and get a feel for our wonderful school.” 

LES COLIBRIS ÉCOLE MONTESSORI INTERNATIONALE 3735, route des Dolines 06410 BiOT / Sophia antipolis Tel : +33(0)4 93 63 29 96 www.ecole-montessori-colibris.com

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fter years of requests and even demands from students and parents alike, the Montessori International School Les Colibris is adding a ‘collège’ to their class offering. Already providing attentive, bilingual care and education for nursery, pre-school and elementary children, the new class will continue the holistic and independent Montessori programme for 12-15 year-olds.

Riviera Insider spoke with Pedagogical Director, Gina wattel, who describes the new junior high as “a great adventure!” She has always wanted to have all different ages in her Montessori school and this neclass grows the bilingual learning environment that has become so popular with local international families.

The premise of Montessori, which believes in bringing out the innate intelligence of each child, is very different from the traditional schooling model. Children in these classrooms are not spoon-fed information in order to pass an exam - instead, they are given specific tools designed for their developmental level that they explore either on their own or with classmates. Projects are designed to teach children by doing rather than just reading and reciting. “The children love what they are doing because they engage,” explains Gina.

Many parents, even those at first skeptical of the Montessori method have become devoted supporters after seeing their children blossom in both knowledge and creativity. It is also a blessing for families with children who struggle in the highly-structured French school system.

Gina swells with pride when the parents see the results and ask for more classes: “I’m so happy and fulfilled that the parents are requesting this; it means they are consciously planning their child’s education.” Giving an example of how much discussion couples make before purchasing a car or a house, the director notes that families will often JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

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EIB BILINguAL SChOOLS nationalities and offer a fully bilingual learning environment for all, in which 50% of the courses are taught in French and the remaining 50% in English. This international ethic is reflected in the teaching staff, who also represent the global community and enable children to develop a global awareness of different cultures and languages at an early age. From the age of two, students receive bilingual instruction that uses both elements of the French national curriculum and English. Its comprehensive and multidisciplinary curriculum is complemented by a strong and diversified program of activities outside the classroom. After-school sports clubs include swimming (the Pégomas complex is located in a domain with access to a private swimming pool that can be used

Four schools serving the riviera

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es Ecoles Internationales Bilingues (EIB) is a network of four schools located on the French Riviera: Le Pain d'Epice in Nice for preschool and primary school children; Collège-Lycée Lafayette in Nice for children up to 18 years old; Le Pain de Sucre in Cagnes-sur-Mer for children in nursery and primary school; and Le Pain de Sucre 3 in Pégomas also for nursery and primary school. Together, the schools accommodate more than 900 students of different

every day during the summer season), Judo, Zumba and dance. Artistic activities include choral singing in Italian, violin and piano instruction for children over 4 years of age and percussion. Language skills are also encouraged beyond English and French and students can also study Chinese and Italian in various schools. "our students have a high level of education," says Mrs. Rosfelder, Founding Director of the ISB, "but it is also important to discover music, sports and cultural activities. Each year, a new project energizes all students to participate. The projects are very varied: theatrical, artistic, cultural. This year, the themes will be global citizens and ancient civilizations.” what unites the four institutions is their shared philosophy to create a balanced and caring environment in which children of all abilities can thrive. "our goal is to teach our students empathy, respect and awareness so that they become tolerant, independent and open-minded," says Rosfelder. Responsibility, cooperation, curiosity and enthusiasm are other key qualities: essential concepts for building healthy minds. The mission of the International Bilingual Schools is to enable each child to develop academically and socially while preparing for an international future.

Schools are open every day from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm and visits to the school can be arranged by appointment. 

Give your kids an int ernat ional future!

Ecole Internationale Bilingue

“The school of success”

50 % french / 50% english Early learning Nursery Primary

Sport facilities Music Bilingual teaching : 50% french/50% English

EIB Nice - www.eibnice.fr

LE PAIN D’EPICE - 04 93 44 75 44

EIB Cagnes - www.eibcagnes.fr LE PAIN DE SUCRE - 04 93 73 70 41

International Secondary School

JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

Lafayette - Nice

Open from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm Get in touch to organize a visit Enrollment and visit by appointment

EIB Pégomas - www.eibpegomas.fr LE PAIN DE SUCRE 3 - 04 93 09 65 56

- www.c olle ge lyc e e la fay e tte .c om - 04 9 3 62 00 29

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EVERy ChILd hAS POTENTIAL New direction for Mougins school Dawn akyerek new head of Mougins School

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he positive message from the new Head of Mougins School is: ‘Every child has potential’. Dawn Akyurek arrived from the king’s Group of schools in Madrid where she was their Chief Academic officer, responsible for all matters relating to school improvement and strategy and ensuring that the schools were at the forefront of British education. Previously, Dawn was a Head Teacher and she missed leading her own school and having contact with both students and staff.

Dawn is passionate about the process of learning and motivating people to do even better.

She believes that great achievement and success is possible for everyone. on a visit to Mougins School, Dawn was impressed with the beautiful campus and its facilities and understood that the school had enormous potential. The students she met impressed her with their curiosity in the world around them, their political awareness and their self-confidence. She found them unafraid to express themselves and keen on exchange amongst

themselves and their teachers. She felt a real notion of equality in the school and privileged to share the students’ hopes and dreams.

Moving forward, the new Director will see the school investing in technology, but this is not just about computers, this is about pedagogy and using technology to improve teaching and learning. Training and support for teachers is vital as Dawn believes that, with the right teacher, the right context and the right situation, people can learn and achieve amazing things.

This is called ‘high performance learning’ which comes from Cambridge University and this is going to be put in place in Mougins School.

The philosophy of Mougins School has always been one of a kind and caring environment, providing pastoral support for both its students and their families. Dawn will ensure that this continues and at the same time ever increasing academic success.

Participating in the CoBIS (Council of British International Schools) Games, taking part in a Student Leadership exercise in Madrid and

participating in a Debating Society are all new challenges that the students are embracing with enthusiasm. Mougins School has also applied to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

The amazing quality of the artwork which adorns the school walls and the exceptionally high level of musical events at the school are all testimony to the importance of the Arts within education.

The Parent-Teacher Association plays an important part in the daily life of Mougins School, supporting both staff and students as well as providing many social events for parents to enjoy. Fund-raising activities enable the school to purchase equipment, or finance activities which enhance the students’ journey.

The future for Mougins School, established fifty years ago, is looking exciting and rewarding, its aim being to provide a sustained, high level of education in a caring environment.

An education for today worthy of tomorrow’s world! 

JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

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a make-over for a modern education ISN will undergo refurbishment during the summer in an effort to guarantee that our learning spaces have a strategic impact on responsive learning. we will unveil a vibrant new eco-friendly environment that will keep pace with advances in technology, growing student numbers and the need for more diverse, flexible and purposeful learning spaces.

sustainable development

FUTUre reaDY aT iSN innovation, sustainability and the neo-millenial learner

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fter 40 successful years of offering high quality international education on the French Riviera, we, at the International School of Nice, are demonstrating how we keep pace with our rapidly changing world.

ISN is entering an exciting new phase of development as it strengthens its commitment to sustainable educational practices and a culture that promotes its 21st century vision through a curriculum predicated on inspiring, supporting and nourishing our community of lifelong learners.

a warm welcome to Pascal ashkar, new head of the school Pascal’s vision is to provide comprehensive, innovative, and creative instructional programmes that prepare each learner to succeed in a global society and to play an active JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

role in shaping the world. His philosophy in leading the International School of Nice is firmly grounded in the belief that his actions and activities must be accountable and measurable.

Always thoughtful, he tells us, “My leadership must be fair, ethical, directed positively with clarity, empathy, love, patience, understanding and a willingness to learn and adapt.”

a happy place to learn! on a visit to ISN, you will be immersed in a multi-cultural environment of happy students and teachers engaged in dynamic learning activities, ranging from academic mastery to community outreach with local refugees to a host of creative projects such as musical theatre, art installations and gardening to athletic training and global classroom forums with schools from around the world that reveal a highly unique learning experience.

Building on the most recent research about learning, we are placing renewed emphasis on next-generation, learner-centered educational models, self and social intelligence, creativity and global citizenship in order to prepare our students to be future-ready.

As seen in many places throughout the world, students are making sustainable development a priority. The entire ISN community is encouraged to be environmentally conscious global citizens. Themes of sustainability are rooted within the Lower School PYP units of inquiry for all grades, allowing the students to actively engage with worldwide issues. Some examples of this in practice are: students connecting with the United Nations to persuade them to act on the pollution levels in the south of France; students initiating litter pick-up in our school environment and local beaches, and students promoting gender and cultural equality through assemblies and Skype forums with schools around the world. The Lower School Primary Years Programme culminates with the Grade 5 exhibition, where the children carry out an extended, collaborative project into a real worldwide issue or problem. They take action on the issue and share their research with the whole school community. All students are inspired to become caring and passionate agents of change. ISN students lead the school’s Green Team, that includes teachers, parents, staff and senior leadership members. we look forward to becoming an Eco-School this year and to earn the label for our actions in recycling waste.

still more developments!

To respond to the growing demand from the community and with a view to nurturing talents from the early stages of life, ISN will welcome children from 3 years of age into our community starting in September 2020. we are excited to expand our offerings and cater to these younger learners as they embark on their educational journey. Through outdoor Learning, pupils will be able to enhance and utilize their learning in constructive and practical ways. From these early ages, ISN promotes the values embedded in each one of us as part of the foundation for global citizenship. 

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF NICE 15 avenue Claude Debussy, 06200 Nice Tel: +33 (0) 4 93 21 04 00 www.isn-nice.com

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“THE FIRST TIME wE wALkED INTo EBICA INTERNATIoNAL SCHooL, wE FELT A SENSE oF PoSITIVE AND ENTHUSIASTIC LEARNING AS wE SAw THE SMILES oN THE FACES oF STUDENTS PASSING BY IN THE CoRRIDoRS.”

EBICA INTERNATIONAL SChOOL What is a 21st-century international education?

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his is a typical question from anyone who visits Ebica International School for the first time. The school is a world of colour, motivation and active learning.

Since Ebica International School opened in 2006, the community of staff, students and parents has grown enormously; while still keeping and developing a vision of the 21st-century learner at the centre of all learning programmes. Ebica International School starts with the First Steps class where children can join from the age of two and continues through the Preschool years, the Primary years, the Middle School years and finally the High School years where the 18-year-old students graduate with an International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP).

The curriculum at Ebica International School is not just a bilingual programme, but rather an international programme. Core learning is 50% English and 50% French in the Preschool and the Primary years following the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) curriculum. The Middle School follows the Cambridge Checkpoint and the Cambridge IGCSE programmes. In the High School, the students finish their schooling in with an IB Diploma which opens the doors to universities all over the world. As an Apple Distinguished School, technology is important in all our classes and students learn how to use the media in order to research projects

safely and efficiently. Digital learning is linked to practical learning through our Project Based learning activities; for example, students recently designed a 3D house on the iPad and then researched into what needed to be done to physically build the house in order to present their project during the Discovery Day event in December 2019.

Choosing a school to ensure your child’s education is a difficult decision for any parent; and aside from the programmes in a school, it is important to look at the values that the school will develop in your child. At Ebica International School, the five core values of respect, academic excellence, motivation, open-mindedness and responsibility encourage each student to live in an international world where he or she is allowed to express him/herself freely and accepts others’ ideas and cultures. These five values are not only reflected in our curriculum, they are also displayed in the school and in the behaviour of all the students through the IB Learner Profile. Students in the Secondary School are recognised as exceptional students once a month in our Hall of Fame where students are honoured with an IB Learner Profile Award.

Learning at Ebica International School is not just confined to the classroom; students of any age can take their learning experiences outside and use the climate and nature in our exceptional region in order to extend learning. our outdoor Learning project shows the importance of learning outside the classroom, relating what we learn inside the classroom to an outdoors environment. School trips

during the day, or for several days at a time, take place both locally and internationally.

These trips serve to develop a true sense of community and to make students aware of our environment and the action they can take to make the world a better place.

Ebica International School loves celebrations!

The Parent Network contributes to events such as International Day, our Christmas Market, Discovery Day, Book week, End of Year Shows, and graduations. These are just a few events that show how we can extend the learning to embrace all kinds of activities. Being part of the Ebica international community brings parents and children into a world of learning where each child is prepared for the challenges of being a global citizen. Step into the Ebica international community for an hour, a day, a week, a month or for many years and experience 21st-century international education that will guarantee your child’s place in a brave new world. 

Mr pascal ashkar, Director of Ebica and ISN © D.R.

EBICA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 245 route des Lucioles, 06560 valbonne Tel: +33 (0)4 93 64 32 84 www.ebicaschool.com JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

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tongue/s. I'm Italian and my husband Australian and we both always spoke to our daughters in our mother tongues while living in France. But we never taught our girls how to read and write in Italian. when I saw that ISM proposes Italian as a third language support for mother-tongue students, I thought it was pointless because they already spoke perfectly. what I didn't know, was how excellent the language department is at ISM and now both my daughters have reached a level of reading and writing in Italian that they would have not otherwise reached.”

international exams

Chris Benson, head of primary Education © D.R.

INTERNATIONAL SChOOL OF MONACO

By NIColE rUSKEll

experts in multi-lingual education

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hen it comes to multilingualism, the International School of Monaco (ISM) is a world-leader. This goes hand in hand with a diverse international student body: fewer than 10% of students are mother-tongue French and around 30% are native English speakers. The rest comprises a global mix of nationalities.

Riviera Insider spoke with Chris Benson, Head of ISM’s Primary School about their bilingual curriculum and the importance of supporting literacy in additional languages spoken at home. Each year, from kindergarten through Primary, the curriculum is designed around the best way to achieve “simultaneous bilingualism”. From age three, classes are conducted in a 50/50 mix of English and French. At age four, they have French instruction in the morning and English in the afternoon, with social activities. Age five, the mornings are spent learning to read in English with two hours of French in the afternoon. This alternating system key to the development of simultaneous bilingualism.

“The brain is like a muscle,” explains Mr Benson, “two languages work it hard and the programme really develops problem-solving skills that can help the brain cope better with cognitive demands.”

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By the end of Primary, English and French are well established in the brain. This is when the third language is introduced. The Secondary curriculum requires a third language, which can be Spanish or a number of ‘Mother Tongue’ classes that ISM offers. These classes are designed for students who speak an additional language at home. Together with other students of similar nationality/language, they complete in-depth coursework on reading, writing and culture.

Currently, ISM offers these ‘Mother-Tongue’ courses in Italian, German, Russian and of course, French. Mr Benson emphasises an important point that is sometimes forgotten or neglected in families who speak another language at home: literacy. “we have four very well-stocked, multi-lingual libraries,” he says, “and they are very popular with the students, who are avid readers.” He is emphatic about the goal of complete literacy in both taught languages and those spoken in the home.

It is a common problem with multi-national children who speak another language at home to not read or write it to a fluent level.

Many times, this is simply due to parents not considering the importance of literacy because the child speaks fluently.

Tiziana osborne, an ISM parent tells us: “Bringing up multilingual children is a privilege although it could become a struggle when you try to preserve their mother

Academic rigour is one of the foundations of ISM. Students sit for numerous international exams, including IGCSE (University of Cambridge) qualifications in languages and other subjects; French national exams and Cambridge University ‘Check-Point’ exams at specific stages. These all prepare the students for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, which differs from the French Baccalaureate (oIB) because it requires the knowledge of two languages. There is also the option, if the student has two first languages, to pursue a 'bilingual diploma’ with their two first languages plus a third. For students who may want to return to their home country for university, the ‘bilingual diploma’ can give an extra advantage not only in university applications but also for future employers.

This has been invaluable to many students who have graduated from ISM. Laila Schlereth is a German parent with three children at ISM, one of whom has already graduated: “My eldest daughter was able to take Higher Level German in her IB and then went to university in Innsbruck, Austria. She speaks five languages today, and uses all of them! Now my son is taking Higher Level German for his IB and hoping to study in Vienna next year.

My third and youngest child has chosen Spanish for her third language, so it really depends on the individual child. Most of all, I feel this is a gift you make to your children, whether they go into our family business or choose their own path, they have their languages and are really cosmopolitan young people with a totally international outlook.”

In today’s world, the ability to speak multiple languages is quickly becoming a necessity.

Multiple language skills encourage intercultural understanding, facilitate harmony and are highly valued by employers. ISM graduates are working in many fields across Europe and North America and around 90% speak at least three languages. 

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MONACO 12 Quai antoine 1er, 98000 Monaco Tel: +377 93 25 68 20 www.ismmonaco.org

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ThE dEMANd FOR A PuBLIC BuSINESS SChOOL By pEtra hall

Discussion with the iae Director for France and Nice

are now springing up like mushrooms. The price-performance ratio alone is not comparable". Her argument in favour of the IAE contains further convincing points: "The IAE business schools are the foundation of the French education system and are under state control. Every single business school has its own international network and alumni all over the world testify to the quality of their education. Many of the private business schools are pushing to become members of our strong IAE network. we have 1,200 professors available for our students and 2,500 staff members. we have an annual turnover of two billion euros and 70 to 80 per cent of it is supported by the state. And our recommendation rate of 95 percent speaks for itself". 

INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS AT THE IAE NICE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

Eric lamarque, president of the IaE network in France and general Director of IaE paris-Sorbonne Business School. © D.R.

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espite the early hours, the IAE Nice Graduate School of Management, the business school of the University of Côte d'Azur, is as busy as a beehive. The numerous colourful flags signal that foreign students are more than welcome here. In 2018, 42 per cent came from 70 different nations, with professors from all over the world.

The new semester just started at the time of our visit at the beginning of october. In addition, the Agora, the annual meeting of the directors and delegations of the 35 IAE France-wide, took place on this day.

Two hundred people had travelled to Nice for this special event. we were lucky to be able to talk not only to Nadine Tournois, Director of the IAE Nice Graduate School of Management, but also to Eric Lamarque, President of the entire network.

A very committed duo, who obviously have the renowned university business schools very close to their hearts. For 60 years, the IAE has specialised in management education and research. Every year, 50,000 students graduate here - from Bachelor's to Master's/ MBA to doctorate and many other diplomas.

The stated goal is to prepare students for JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

their professional future in the best possible way and to provide companies with the skills they need for their further development. This work is supported by numerous economic and university partnerships in France, but also worldwide.

The IAE Nice Graduate School of Management was founded in 1966 with the intention of providing an equivalent model to that of American business schools. Today it represents the European model and now boasts 210 partners such as Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the International University of Russia and the Manhattan Institute of Management.

A total of 17 diplomas can be obtained in other countries.

"Leadership in France equals IAE," says Eric Lamarque confidently, which brings us back to our initial conversation. There are 416 public and private business schools nationwide, including the 35 IAE, which have a so-called state diploma. "Many educational institutions do not have a state-approved diploma, but parents are not informed," said the president.

Eric Lamarque and Nadine Tournois agree: "The IAE business schools affiliated to the universities are much better in every respect than most private business schools, which

Example: Certification in Business Administration Security, Defence, and Space Industries (CBA-SDS) The security, defence and space industries require different skills and requirements than the open markets. To meet these needs and provide specific skills, the iae Nice Graduate School of Management is offering a new 80-hour program in english from June 2020, which will take place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. internationally renowned lecturers teach managers, engineers and graduates to enhance their career prospects. Successful participation will be rewarded with 12 european eCTS credits, which can be taken from Master and MBa programmes.

Cost for the whole course: 2000 euro.

Info: www.iae-france.fr/ecoles/iae-nice/

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INTERNATIONAL uNIVERSITy OF MONACO Over 30 years of excellence

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he International University of Monaco (IUM) celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2016. It is the only business school in the Riviera to offer all courses in English. The IUM shares the same values as the Principality, such as a quest for excellence and harmony, as well as a spirit of openness to the world. The University offers Bachelor, Master and MBA degrees. The IUM has created over the past three decades, a strong international

identity. Courses are taught by professors of different nationalities and the IUM campus welcomes students from all over the world, 20% of whom are French or Monegasque and the remaining 80% representing students coming from more than 60 countries.

The University offers excellence-focused courses concentrating upon the sectors that are dominant in Monaco. After their Bachelor, students can choose between five Master degrees in Luxury Management, Finance, Marketing of Luxury Goods & Services, Sports Business Management and International Management. At the same time, the MBA also relates to the Principality’s main activities including courses in Luxury, Finance, and Entrepreneurship & Innovation.

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Another aspect that places the University in harmony with Monaco’s particularities is the fact that the Business School is human-sized and therefore, people-friendly – the Principality almost acts as a campus for the IUM. The 650 students benefit from personalized and high-quality guidance, with the university now acting at the heart of their networks, with strong links to the international business community, which is extremely prosperous, thanks to its small-size and concentration of skillsets.

Indeed, as the course subjects are directly linked to the economic activities of the Principality, strong relationships are formed with many different Monaco-based businesses. Professionals from the thousands of business in the Principality take part in the teaching programs at the IUM and students also do work placement and internships locally.

Always aiming to meet the needs of Monaco’s business, the IUM has recently developed two new specializations: one in Yachting in partnership with the Monaco Yacht Club and a sandwich program entitled “Monaco Banking & Financial Services” designed in conjunction with the Monaco Employment Service and different financial institutions of the Principality.

Contributing to spread Monaco’s image of excellence across the world whilst always being on a quest for excellence is the mission of the International University of Monaco, which is now well on its way to gaining the AACSB accreditation that distinguishes the most prestigious business schools worldwide. 

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INTERNATIONAL SChOOLS

Aix-en-Provence École privée val Saint andré 19 av. henri malacrida 13100 aix en provence tel. + 33 (0)4 42 27 14 47 ecolevsa@hotmail.fr www.ecole-val-saint-andre.fr International Bilingual School of provence Domaine des pins, 500 route de Bouc-Bel-air 13080 luynes/aix tel. +33 (0)4 42 24 03 40 www.ibsofprovence.com Antibes École Montessori d’antibes 732 chemin des eucalyptus 06160 antibes Juan-les-pins tel. +33 (0)6 49 28 32 52/ +33 (0)6 11 94 26 69 info@montessori06.com www.montessori06.com Beausoleil Waldorf-Kindergarten «Ecole Maternelle privée Internationale» 403 ave prince rainier iii de mC 06240 Beausoleil tel. + 33 (0)4 93 57 52 45 waldorfkindergarten@orange.fr www.waldorf-kindergarten.org Biot Collège de l’Eganaude 3140 route des Dolines 06410 Biot tel. +33 (0)4 97 23 42 20 www.clg-l-eganaude.ac-nice.fr Cagnes-sur-Mer EIB International Bilingual School «le pain de sucre» 43 Chemin du pain de sucre 06800 Cagnes-sur-mer tel. +33 (0)4 93 73 70 41 ecoleps2@gmail.com www.eibcagnes.fr Fuveau (Pays d’Aix) Sainte victoire International School (SvIS) Domaine Château l’arc, Chemin de maurel 13710 fuveau tel. +33 (0)4 42 26 51 96 contact@schoolsaintevictoire.com www.schoolsaintevictoire.com Genoa Deutsche Schule Genua via mylius 1 16128 genoa – italy tel. +39 (0)10 56 43 34 www.scuolagermanica.it Grasse Institut Fénelon (with english branch) 06130 grasse JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

www.institut-fenelon.org Collège: 122 avenue pierre sémard tel. +33 (0)4 93 40 60 59 secretariat.college@institut-fenelon.org lycée: 7 avenue yves emmanuel Baudoin tel. +33 (0)4 93 40 60 60 secretariat.lycee@institutfenelon.org Manosque Ecole Internationale provencealpes-Côte d’azur 159 av du D. Bernard foussier 04100 manosque tel. +33 (0)4 92 74 23 11 www.ecole-internationale.ac-aixmarseille.fr Monaco International School of Monaco 10-12 Quai antoine premier 98000 monaco tel. +377 93 25 68 20 www.ismonaco.org Mougins home School Mougins (Collège + lycée, partially taught in english) 281/4 Chemin de la gippière 06250 mougins tel. +33 (0)9 80 63 91 55 contact@homeschoolmougins.com www.homeschoolmougins.com Mougins School 615 ave Dr maurice Donat 06252 mougins tel. +33 (0)4 93 90 15 47 information@mougins-school.com www.mougins-school.com Nice aBC School maternelle and primaire: 72 Bd Carnot Collège and lycée: 12 rue gioffredo 06000 nice tel. +33 (0)4 92 00 01 23 contact@abcschool.fr www.abc-school-international.com EIB Collège-lycée laFaYEttE 10 av georges Clemenceau 06000 nice tel. +33 (0)4 93 62 00 29 collegelyceelafayette@gmail.com www.collegelyceelafayette.com EIB International Bilingual School «le pain d’epice» 23 Bd gambetta 06000 nice tel. +33 (0)4 93 44 75 44 ecoledupaindepice@gmail.com www.eibnice.fr International School of Nice (ISN) 15 ave Claude Debussy 06200 nice tel. +33 (0)4 93 21 04 00 admissions@isn-nice.com www.isn-nice.com

Bilingual Montessori School Nice 312 ave de fabron 06200 nice tel. +33 (0)4 92 04 46 80 contact@montessori-nice.fr www.montessori-nice.fr Pégomas EIB International Bilingual School «le pain de sucre 3» la Bergerie, 1257 route de grasse 06580 pégomas tel. +33 (0)4 93 09 65 56 ecolepeg@orange.fr www.eibpegomas.fr Sophia-Antipolis Centre International de valbonne (CIv) 190 rue frédéric mistral 06902 sophia-antipolis tel. +33 (0)4 92 96 52 00 civ@ac-nice.fr www.civfrance.com

98000 monaco tel. +377 97 98 69 86 admissions@monaco.edu www.monaco.edu Nice Centre International de Formation Européenne (CIFE) 81 rue de france 06000 nice tel. +33 (0)4 93 97 93 97 cife@cife.eu www.cife.eu EDhEC Business School 393 promenade des anglais 06202 nice tel. +33 (0)4 93 18 99 66 www.edhec.edu Ipag Business School 4 Boulevard Carabacel 06000 nice tel. +33 (0)4 93 13 39 00 www.ipag.edu

Ecole Bilingue Internationale Côte d’azur (EBICa) 245 route des lucioles 06560 valbonne tel. +33 (0)4 93 64 32 84 www.ebicaschool.com

Université Côte d’azur 28 avenue de valrose 06108 nice tel. +33 (0)4 89 15 10 50 virginie.oddo@univ-cotedazur.fr univ-cotedazur.fr

Ecole Montessori Internationale «les Colibris» 3735 route des Dolines 06410 Biot tel. +33 (0)4 93 63 29 96 info@ecole-montessoricolibris.com www.ecole-montessoricolibris.com

Sophia-Antipolis SKEMa Business School 60 rue Dostoïevski 06902 sophia-antipolis tel. +33 (0)4 93 95 44 44 www.skema.edu

Ecole Elémentaire Sartoux 100 promenade de la Bouillide 06560 valbonne tel. +33 (0)4 93 12 34 95 Skholè – Sudbury School le golden tulip, Centre d’affaires wtC2 120 route des macarons 06560 sophia-antipolis www.skhole.net Villefranche-sur-Mer Da vinci International Collège 600 Chemin du mont-leuze 06230 villefranche-sur-mer info@davincicollege.fr www.davincicollege.fr

Universities Marseille, Aix-en-Provence aix-Marseille Université 58 bd Charles livon 13284 marseille Cedex 07 tel. +33 (0)4 91 39 65 00 www.univ-amu.fr Monaco International University of Monaco (IUM) 14 rue hubert Clerissi

Eurecom 450 route des Chappes 06904 sophia-antipolis tel. +33 (0)4 93 00 81 00 www.eurecom.fr

Language Cannes Univers de langues 42 Boulevard Carnot 06400 Cannes +33 (0)9 70 35 07 66 www.univers-langues-cannes.com Univers de langues 42 Boulevard Carnot 06400 Cannes +33 (0)9 70 35 07 66 www.univers-langues-cannes.com Moustiers-Sainte-Marie CrEa-langues le monastère de ségriès route de riez 04360 moustiers-ste-marie +33 (0)4 92 77 74 58 www.crealangues.com Vallauris Kidooland 1890 Chemin de saint Bernard 06220 vallauris +33 04 93 64 53 54 www.kidooland.com

this list is not exhaustive.

Early education

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Photo: Pau Oatway

life lessons Part of having a good life is learning from the lessons that it teaches us. riviera photographer Paul Oatway brings us alan roberts, the front-man of legendary band, Blah Blah and the singer of the Thin Lizzy tribute band “Back in Town”. alan is a former roadie who toured with Diamond Head, UFO, Def Leppard and iron Maiden. Originally from Norwich in the UK, he grew up in Leicester and has now lived in antibes for over 21 years. He has 3 children, but is currently single. Here, he shares his important life lessons.

1 2 3

love It may sound corny but love really does make the world go around.

Never be ashamed to wear your heart on your sleeve - you may regret it if you don´t. Even after 2 divorces and countless failed relationships, I fall in love at least once a day. learn the language and culture of the country you live in It’s so important in all aspects of life to respect your surroundings.

Learning a foreign language is a daunting prospect for some, but vital if you want to meet people and progress. Also immersing yourself in the local culture gives you a rock to stand on in any conversation. Listen to music, watch films and read books to soak in what you missed whilst growing up in another culture.

And it´s always funny to know more than your hosts!

Don't believe a word Never listen to the bar-room promises of drunken millionaires. This one I learnt at my own cost after hearing the promises of a shady millionaire in Monte-Carlo. He promised recording studios, top

producers and basically a whole new life for me and the Blahs only to quickly sober up and dump us!

4 5 6

Don't count your chickens Another corny phrase but one which saves a lot of embarrassment ... just look at the Rugby! Things are always best celebrated when resolved. Nobody is owed anything in this life and we all chose the path we are on for right or wrong so stick to it until the end. check on your friends regularly You only have to drop them a line or give them a call to give them that warm fuzzy feeling now and then but you literally could be saving a life. I have lost many friends these past years who felt so alone that I make it my duty to read through my contacts list every day and reach out. Depression is an invisible disease and we are so easily fooled by platitudes. Dig deeper and you will recognise the signs.

My kids are not living in the same world I grew up in and the only way I get to really understand it is through them from being an open book.

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listen Everybody has an opinion, a story to tell or an idea that is relevant. Don't make the mistake of waiting for people to finish just so you can have your turn to talk. Instead, actually listen and assimilate what their words mean; you might learn more than you already know.

Do a good deed every day For me, the most important lesson of all is to help somebody every day, even if I don't know them, to achieve something that they can't achieve alone.

I have no religion but it doesn't mean I have no moral code or goodness in me.

There is no better feeling than receiving a smile and a thankyou; that in itself is worth more than gold.

Be honest with your kids ....and they'll be honest with you. Slightly contentious but I believe you get the best out of your kids by showing them who you are, warts and all, rather than shutting them out from the real you regardless of how that makes you look.

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From the couch to Cannes Mimosa’s drive to get us all fit On 8 November, Mimosa runners will participate in the fifth Nice-Cannes Marathon.

Join in and help them achieve their goals of fitness, fun, friendship and fundraising to be a part of this growing community fighting against cancer. imosa is a charity association based in the Alpes-Maritimes, run by volunteers dedicated to the fight against cancer. They aim to raise awareness, promote prevention and educate future generations about the disease all the while creating

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Mimosa has a large community of follwers © D.R.

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a community to encourage people to work together and give back to their local area.

They organise community events and fundraisers, ensuring that all the money raised goes back into local projects to support cancer patients and meet the awareness, prevention and education aims of the association. one of Mimosa’s flagship events is the Nice-Cannes marathon. Both runners and, importantly, non-runners participate, reaping health benefits of being fit whilst raising money through sponsorship. In 2018, just under 160 Mimosa Runners took part, raising over 16,000 euros. This money helped to fund the Espace Ligue in Antibes, a nonmedical drop-in centre run by La Ligue contre le cancer Alpes Maritimes. This haven for cancer patients offers support and the necessary tools to improve the care and quality of life during and after cancer treatment.

After taking a break in 2019, Mimosa Runners are back with renewed energy and determination and are recruiting for the 2020 NiceCannes Marathon. They are offering the perfect New Year Resolution package - a fitness goal with the feel-good factor of helping others thrown in. Not to mention the best post-race party in town hosted by longterm Mimosa supporters, Ma Nolan’s.

If you have never participated in a running event but have even the smallest inkling of interest in setting yourself a challenge for 2020, then Mimosa wants you!

Mimosa Runner and association member, Ruth Jiggins tells Riviera Insider: “This really is a great opportunity to take part in a mass running event. You can choose the distance you run, from 3 km to the full 42.2 km, so anyone can give it a go. There is nothing quite like running as part of a crowd, everyone with their own personal goals, all heading in the same direction. And the feeling when you finish is unforgettable.”

Mimosa launches their “Couch to Cannes” campaign in January. Regular Mimosa supporters FunFit4Life will be holding monthly training sessions until the summer holidays then cranking up the intensity to weekly sessions from September until the big on 8 November. These free training sessions are open to complete beginners and experienced runners alike and will aim to motivate and

encourage you and ensure you are in tip-top condition for the marathon.

Mimosa will also be posting a regular Couch to Cannes bulletin full of top training tips, nutritional information and practical advice for race day. Tempted to join in? Visit the Mimosa website for full details on how to sign up for the race as a Mimosa Runner. Corporate teams are welcome and they are looking for businesses interested in becoming a sponsor of the Mimosa Runners team. You can also just volunteer time to help with the organisation of the event. Contact them at info@mimosamatters.org.  www.mimosamatters.org

MIMOSA’S TOP TIPS FOR GETTING OFF THAT COUCH AND BECOMING A FITTER: 1. Sign up to participate in the Nice Cannes Marathon 2020!

There is nothing like having a defined goal and a deadline to get you out there with your trainers on.

2. Start slowly. if you haven’t exercised for a while, don’t do too much too soon. Set aside time two or three times a week to exercise, book it into your diary, then stick to your plan. Time is on your side if you start early, so simply walking for half an hour is all it takes to begin with. Try an app designed to get you into running such as Couch to 5km. These give you tailored training sessions designed to do exactly what they say.

3. Get some company.

Training with others is very motivating so arrange to train with friends, a relay team or join a Mimosa runners training session. if you falter, the guilt of knowing your team-mates are running when you’re not will soon get you back out there!

4. remember, you can run wherever you are so always pack your trainers. it’s a lovely way to explore any place you are visiting, and you often meet some great people while pounding the pavement, coastal paths or parks.

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to your health Good Guts and happy brains ollowing the excitement and celebrations of Christmas and New Year, January can seem like a long month. It is also one of the colder and darker months without the warming glow of Christmas lights!

The transition from autumn to winter can often cause a dip in mental health. Shorter days and reduced light exposure appear to trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with symptoms often starting in october and reaching a peak in January. However, increased time spent on smart phones, laptops, tablets may also contribute to SAD. Some are even more affected with depression, which can be exacerbated by the cold and the dark.

These "winter blues" affect around 5% of the population, however, another 10-20% may experience a milder version of it (that's 1-2 people out of 10). This estimation rises in those who live in Northern latitudes and appears to affect more women than men; especially females aged 20 to 40.

Although reduced daylight is a prime contributor to SAD because the production of both vitamin D and the hormone melatonin (regulates mood, sleep/wake cycles, digestion and energy) are affected by sunlight, the origin of SAD and even general depression may not actually start in the brain. In fact, symptoms such as sadness, anger, increased anxiety, depression and fatigue are often linked to the development of inflammation and/or an infection in the intestinal tract.

avoid stimulants: including caffeinated drinks and smoking which can give an artificial high followed by lower mood soon after.

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The gut – brain connection The gut is home to our “second brain” which is known as the enteric nervous system (ENS). This is why what affects our intestines also affects our brain and vica versa. The long cable-like Vagus nerve connects the GI tract to the brain, creating constant communication through chemical feedback. Usually this communication functions well but when things are out of balance, depression, SAD and anxiety can arise.

Unlike the brain, the gut is designed to deal with exposure to undesirable invaders from the world outside the body. However, studies have shown that when levels of inflammation are increased in the gut, it can result in increased inflammation in the brain as well. This affects important brain chemicals, such as our feel-good neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine which are primarily produced in the intestines.

Dietary choices for a better mood with more than 90% of the body´s serotonin produced in the gut, our diet plays a significant role

lifestyle mood boosting tips:

Eat mindfully: Eating mindlessly leads to poor digestion. Sit down at a table away from the TV or computer and chew food well – avoid bolting food down. without the proper breakdown of food the body may lack the essential nutrients vital for good mood.

© Metamorworks / Shutterstock.com

in our mental health. After the holiday season of partying and increased sugar from sweets and alcohol, the delicate balance of the microbiome can be at risk. Here are some tips to rebalance the gut and the brain: Eat your veggies: Vegetables are rich in antioxidants and plant chemicals that reduce oxidative damage and symptoms of depression.

They are also rich in fibre to support the gut microbiome and balance blood sugar levels. Aim to eat extra veggies in stews, salads, wraps, and soups (aim for a minimum of 5 servings per day). Increase protein: Eat protein-rich foods to provide the building blocks (amino acids) tryptophan (for serotonin production), tyrosine, phenylalanine (adrenaline production) and taurine (has calming effects). Good sources are oats, seeds, nuts, tofu, poultry, lentils, fish and eggs. Don´t fear fat! The brain is largely made of fat and essential fatty acids like omega 3 and 6 are vital in supporting the proper function of cells and transmission of messages throughout the brain and nervous system.

Consume oily fish like mackerel, herring, sardines and trout. Seaweed, pumpkin seeds and hemp seeds are good vegan sources. reduce alcohol: Although some feel it boosts self-esteem and mood, alcohol actually depletes the mood boosting brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine, leaving you feeling low afterwards.

Drink warming teas and for a treat try raw cacao hot chocolate. Raw cacao contains nutrients that are known mood boosters. reduce sugar: This ubiquitous sweetener feeds the negative gut bacteria and can increase mood disorders.

reduce blue light: Turn off digital devices 60 minutes before bedtime. Darkness supports the natural production of melatonin to help you prepare for sleep. Consider downloading an app called FLUX on electronic devices or investing in some blue light blocking glasses. Be active outdoors daily: This increases the natural production of mood boosting chemicals in the brain. try something new: It´s the NEw YEAR so take up a new hobby to stimulate brain function and enjoyment during the darker season. 

CHRISTINE KJELDBJERG

Originally from Berkshire in the UK, Christine has been living in the riviera for 12 years. She is a Pilates & Xtend Barre instructor with a BSc in nutritional therapy and an MSc in personalised nutrition. She has a busy fitness and health coaching business in Grasse and runs various educational workshops. www.ck-health.com

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iltM Cannes the international luxury travel Market

By NIColE rUSKEll

ast December, the ILTM held its 18th show in Cannes. This meeting of the world’s top luxury travel professionals saw the Palais des Festivals transformed into luxurious, convivial meeting areas between hotels, tourism boards, private travel companies and travel-related media from across the globe. It was Riviera Insider’s first year attending and it will certainly not be the last.

The show opened with the Global Forum, where influential speakers discussed their views of current trends in the luxury travel industry. This year opened with world-renowned economist, Dr kjell Nordstrom, who gave a fairly ominous speech about the future we’re heading towards.

He believes globalisation, climate change and urbanisation is leading to the obsolescence of nations. As people move in droves from small towns to large urban centres, he argues that multinational companies will become ‘multicity companies’, working directly with local governments and bypassing the need for complicated national government. known for his controversial and dystopian (but often proven) theories, he left a palpable foreboding in the audience as he walked off stage.

Luckily, we were soothed back into a happy place when Tamara Ingram, Global Chairman of

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the Prix villégiature Côte d’azur hotels snap up awards ast october, the 17th edition of the Prix Villégiature took place at Château de Ferrières, France’s ultimate hospitality, gastronomy and luxury school, to award the best of the best in luxury hotels in Europe, the Middle-East, Africa and Asia. A jury composed of 22 journalists and reporters from more than 15 different countries honoured the best destinations, with prizes in architecture, atmosphere, unique experiences, and even service.

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advertising agency wunderman Thompson, took the stage to discuss branding in our new “Conscious age”. Co2 levels may be shaping our future but at least people are finally coming to their senses about the environment and demanding sustainable products. She argues that the world has become so disillusioned with corrupt politics that brands are now “filling an ethical vacuum”.

According to her statistics by a Uk-based firm, 92% of Uk and US consumers are trying to live more sustainably. of those surveyed, 83% choose brands with environmental credentials; 90% believe brands have a responsibility to take care of people and the planet, and 80% are interested in eco-friendly holidays. This may not satisfy Greta Thunberg or our impending climate doom, but it does show that public opinion has shifted towards conscious sustainability.

Ms Ingram pointed out (ironic as it may be) that it is the luxury industry that is leading the change. She highlighted a quote by fashion designer, John Galiano: “Today we don’t want a product; we want ethics, a firm that defends the values that we admire.” Her message to the packed theatre: if you want to make it in this industry, you need to be “purpose-driven, make a positive contribution and work in partnerships with other like-minded brands.”

The final speaker, Richard Carmona, physician and former US Attorney General, discussed how the current western model of ‘healthcare’ is really just ‘sickcare’. Current revenue is based on treating illness, but a new model is looking at how to generate revenue from keeping people healthy. what a novel idea. Dr Carmona pointed out that the biggest and most transformative changes to healthcare have started in the luxury industry. From the top spas researching the most effective treatments, to healthy getaways and the ‘farm to table’ demand, it is luxury “wellness tourism” that has led the

change. He says that by recommending great treatments to friends, family and employees, what was once exclusive has spread to the mass market. Could this perhaps be an actual and positive trickle-down situation? over four days, nearly 2,000 buyers and 2,000 sellers connected in 75,000 registered appointments - not counting the thousands of meandering attendees stopping to chat throughout the day. ILTM is a massive networking conference for the travel industry with thousands of marketing and PR representatives ready to make deals. For the travel and tourism professionals who work in the area, it is absolutely worth attending this show. 

For 2019, multiple properties in the Côte d’Azur took prizes, reinforcing the high level of luxury our region affords. Monaco leads with the Hotel Metropole, earning two awards: Best spa in Europe for their Metropole Spa by Givenchy and it was the staff that won for best service in Europe. Across the Principality, the last born of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

Group, the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort won for Best hotel pool in Europe, with its tropical oaisis-style sand lagoons, and waterfalls in the middle of abundant vegetation. over in Mougins, Le Mas Candille took the ‘Coup de Cœur’ Europe award, reserved especially for properties that take your breath away.  aBr

Economist Kjell Nordstrom speaks at the IltM Global Forum at the palais des Festivals © D.R.

ADVERT

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towards the contemporary, says the interior designer: "Most of the time my customers are looking for clear lines, simple and straightforward design. Provençal look is no longer in demand".

support even after completion of the construction work Based on a relationship of trust, it was only natural that his clients would ask him for more after their projects. In 2015, DoNATI PRoPERTY SERVICES was created and offers an answer to their needs: efficient management and stewardship of prestigious villas and houses all year round throughout the Côte d'Azur, as true guardians. For a foreign clientele who needs a trustworthy person to help them in their efforts, DoNATI PRoPERTY SERVICES takes care of everything and we tell you everything. You have in olivier Donati a dedicated person, on whom you can count. 

international construction projects Olivier Donati knows what his foreign clientele is looking for nterior designer olivier Donati, based in Mandelieu, specialises in comprehensive renovation and conversion projects. He has just gutted an old four-storey townhouse in Cannes and completely modernised it according to the wishes of its owners.

Since he started his own business in 2008, he has managed numerous projects in the Alpes-Maritimes and in the Var, but also all the way to Liguria - from the redesign of a small studio or holiday apartment to a large villa with a pool and garden.

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assistance in dealing with authorities His customers are often foreigners: "I am prepared for their special needs and do everything I can to make it as easy as possible for them to arrive in France," says olivier Donati, who speaks only a few chunks of German, but very good English. His service naturally includes administrative tasks such as helping to open a bank account, registering with the water and electricity supplier, with the telephone and Internet provider or with the re-registration of vehicles. "I am a service provider and a person whom my customers can trust all in one - they can call me at any time." olivier Donati is open to all types and sizes of conversion and renovation projects: "The customer sets the limits," he smiles. The client's wishes are discussed during the on-site ap-

pointment, and when it comes to cooperation, the interior architect accompanies the project from A to Z. He works with a team of experts and partners who, under his leadership, ensure that deadlines are met - a point that is particularly important to the Niçois in his work. weekly meetings on the construction site are held to review the situation; the customer then receives a written update with photos of the progress of the work. "So even customers who can't be on site feel like they're there."

The trend in new buildings and renovations on the Côte d'Azur has recently been very much

FOR MORE INFORMATION or to request a quote:

Olivier Donati 89 avenue de Fréjus " Le BFlower" 2ème étage, Mandelieu Tel. +33 (0)6 28 25 06 59 info@donati-property-services.fr www.donati-architecture.fr www.donati-services-property.fr

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la Cadière d’azur a romantic getaway in the var

By NIColE rUSKEll

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ust north-west of Toulon, in the rolling hills of the Bandol wine region, sits the little town of La Cadière d’Azur. This charming Provençal village, perched atop a hill dates back to 993 AD and still has three fully intact Medieval gates in the ancient city walls.

It could be described as ‘a sleepy’ town, only one main road with shops and a few cafes, but within these walls, you will find an unexpected surprise: a four-star hotel and spa with a Michelin starred restaurant.

Riviera Insider was among a group of journalists welcomed by Hostellerie Bérard to experience a perfect weekend getaway of relaxation, great food, and great wine. only an hour drive from Nice and a twentyminute drive from Toulon centre, it is perhaps the perfect setting for a romantic Valentine’s Day escape. we arrive on market day, perhaps intentionally planned so that when we step out of the taxi our senses are filled with the sights and sounds of Provence. A long row of bright yellow and green umbrellas give shelter to the vats of olives and herbs and bountiful piles of aubergines and courgettes.

The typical Provençal tablecloths, yellow and red with olive leaf pattern flap in the breeze cutting through the narrow street. The air coming down the length of the market brings with it the scent of marinated olives, fresh produce and rotisserie chicken. oh, to be back in Provence. we enter the unassuming hotel to find a room that looks like someone’s home, with leather sitting chairs, a small table and splayed bouquets of dried lavender. The hand-crafted wood reception desk to one side and an ancient iron stove to the other gives a hint to the historic building we have just entered.

René and Danièle Bérard opened the Hostellerie in 1969. At the time, it was only this main building with a handful of rooms and a fine dining restaurant for Chef René. Today, they have 35 rooms across four buildings, including the ancient convent, which the Bérards transformed into lovely rooms and a three-story spa, one of the dreams of Danièle.

Getting to the rooms is a journey through time. Escorted out of the main building and down the road a few metres, we are led through a medieval passage-way from the 1100s. Beautifully kept up with bright white walls, it’s the low ceiling, thick stone walls and small doors that give away its age.

Down a winding set of stairs and across to another other building, each journalist disappears into their room, each with a unique name.

restaurant Jean-françois Bérard la Cadière azur market © D.R.

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Lunch is first on the agenda and we regroup back in the main building in the Michelin

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Michelin three-course menu is offered for only €36, views included. In fact, it’s hard to decide which is more beautiful - the meticulously plated dishes or the stunning views. Dinner is significantly more expensive, but significantly more decaden as well.

aroma spa Bérard

the dining room of Jean-François resstaurant and the hotel breakfast © D.R.

After such a meal, the best thing to do is relax. And there is no better way to do that than in their spa. The Aromaspa Bérard has 500 square metres of relaxation space on three levels. They offer a sauna, Hammam, ice bath and warm pools with massaging jets. Treatments, a relaxation reading room and a tea room complete the experience.

The Roman theme to the spa is tastefully decorated and creates an environment that really feels like a retreat. The treatment ‘menu’ has pages of offerings, including massages, facials, body scrubs, foot reflexology and much more. After an hour massage with their signature herbal oil, an hour of spa time (included with a traetment) melts away any residual stress.

The history

Father and son Chefs, Jean-François (l) and rené (r) © D.R.

starred restaurant. Being perched on a hilltop affords some spectacular views and the wall to wall to windows in this dining room leaves nothing to the imagination.

Jean-François Bérard has a creative menu using the majority of ingredients from their very own gardens (more on that later). our first dish is aubergine cannelloni in a bechamel sauce, served with a dollop of marinated tomatoes and a smoked caviar tuile, drizzled with local, organic olive oil.

Next, seared tuna medallions with a sweet pepper confit, basil-infused olive oil and the most delicious tomatoes one could hope to eat. As a side note, the Bérard gardens are home to thousands of tomato varieties. The most striking and delightful surprise to this

dish are the dots of Menton lemon confit that brightens the palate and acts as an intensifier to all the other flavours on the plate.

All of this was accompanied by local Bandol wines.

For dessert, a gorgeous display of lightly roasted figs sitting on a bed of spiced sablé cookies. Accented with lemon cream and raspberry sorbet, it is both light and decadent and incredibly fresh. Just when you’re feeling pleasantly full, the server wheels out a dessert cart filled with goodies like fluffy homemade marshmallows, little mignon cakes and a house pain d’espices rich with the flavour of local honey.

Lunch is the most popular meal here, especially with the Toulon business crowd, as the

Danièle Bérard, the owner and Director of the hotel meets us for an aperitif in the Bar Lounge and enthralled a group of journalists with her stories of the past fifty years of her hotel.

Sitting elegantly in a bright yellow, tailored blazer and blue trousers, Madame Bérard nonchalantly sweeps her finger past the rows and rows of pictures on the walls around us, all photos of Formula one champions - all fans and repeat customers of Hostellerie Bérard.

In 1970, she begins, a man arrived at the hotel with his family. He was a nice man who enjoyed his stay so much, that he vowed to return the following year. That man was a Formula one driver and one of the organisers of the French Grand Prix at the new Paul Ricard track in neighbouring Castellet.

The man did return the following year, and he brought most of the F1 drivers with him!

From there begins the Bérard’s illustrious past as the hotel of choice for the top drivers in Formula one.

As she recounts moments with some of the most legendary drivers, the air is filled with the spirits of the past. The smiling faces of the very men she speaks of look down from their photos, including a very young Michael Schumacher, Anton Senna (whose favourite room, the Vert Nils, was the one given to Riviera Insider).

It’s clear this woman has some incredible stories in her mental archives, and yet there is a tinge of sadness as she recounts the hotel’s glory days. In 1990, the Paul Ricard Circuit was closed and the French Grand Prix moved elsewhere, effectively ending the reliable season of fun and glamorous JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

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guests. As with any town that loses a main source of revenue, the effects were felt throughout the region. But the Bérards persisted, adapted and expanded their offerings.

la Bastide des saveurs A short drive from the hotel is a 19th-century farmhouse with extensive gardens. Set amongst vineyards and olive groves, the Bastide des Saveurs not only provides the vegetables for the hotel’s restaurants, it hosts private events, weddings and their weekly Provençal cookery class.

Chef Réne Bérard, has passed to a semi-retirement phase after handing the fours over to his son, Jean-François. But it is here, amongst the vast gardens with thousands of varieties of tomatoes and herbs and just about anything else you can imagine, that he delights in sharing his knowledge of food. we start with a tasting tour of the gardens, being led by the aged chef as he asks if we have ever tasted unusual herbs or rare tomatoes. The most interesting was the oyster plant, with leaves that taste of fresh oysters. He then leads us to the farmhouse where bright green aprons await us for our group cookery lesson. It’s not often one gets the chance to learn first-hand from a Michelin Chef, but Réne Bérard is a patient and gentle teacher. Guiding this group of foodies, Chef rené Bérard show his fresh courgette flowers © D.R.

he takes us through the steps of preparing traditional Proveçal dishes. on the menu for the day: Courgette flowers stuffed with local chèvre and herbs de Provence; legumes farçi, garden salad and a surprise dessert.

Each with our own station of cutting board and tools, we set off chopping onions and herbs and coring courgettes and tomatoes.

A massive stock-pot is boiling while Chef Bérard dumps in whole onions, the base for one of the farçi. with all the vegetables prepped, we join the Chef at the stove to sauté onions and ground beef. He teaches the best techniques for sweating the onions and allowing them to brown just the right way. once the meat and onions are combined, he scoops the filling into a simple food processor that has seen many years of use. “See? You don’t need big fancy equipment to make good food,” quips the humble chef. we stuff the cored veggies and slippery onion layers with the filling, place them in colourful Provençal baking dishes and pop them in the oven. while the farçi cook, we prepare the courgette flowers, the largest, most beautiful any of us have ever seen. A simple preparation of fresh goat cheese, salt and pepper and freshly chopped herbs is stirred together and we all scoop cheese little spoons, care-

fully filling the delicate, orange petals. when everything was ready, we plated our luncheon feast with the fruits of our labour, decorating with dollops of roasted pepper coulis and freshly picked herbs.

After a career of exacting every plate to leave his kitchen, Chef Bérard must have cringed at our hap-hazard plating technique, but he gave no hint to that. All together, we sat down at a rustic tile table in the garden, surrounded by rolling hills and the sound of cicadas in the trees. This kind, jovial chef made the afternoon an unforgettable experience. These cookery classes are offered on Saturdays and cost €155 per person, including the lunch. 

HOSTELLERIE BÉRARD 6 rue Gabriel Péri 83740 La CaDiÈre D'aZUr Tel. : +33 (0)4 94 90 11 43 rooms Starting from €100 in the off season to €149 in high season.

Jean-Francois restaurant 1 Star 3-course lunch menu €36 Dinner menu ranges from €59 - 169 Breakfast buffet €23 le Bistro de Jef 2-course ‘express lunch’ €22 3-course lunch/dinner menu €33 aromaspa Bérard Access to the spa is €35 for 2 hours (€40 if not a hotel guest). one hour of spa access is included with any treatment. There are no children allowed in the spa area (16 years or older) but the hotel is happy to arrange childcare during your spa visit. Treatment prices start at €50 for a 30-minute body wrap and go up from there. To celebrate their 50th anniversary, the Evasion Majéstueuse massage is a 75-minute face and body massage with their signature blend of Provence essential oils for 150 €. A couples special package offers a 2.5-hour massage and facial for two people for €484.

LA CADIÈRE D’AZUR 20 min from Toulon rail station (€40 taxi) 45 min from Marseille St. Charles 1 hour drive from Nice Local highlights: Bandol aOC wine region: tastings at local wineries are plentiful Market day: Thursday

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riviera

like father, like son By aIla StöCKMaNN

Photo above Michaël Fulci, master of his trade

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since 1990, the restaurant has continuously been awarded a star for its excellent cuisine. At that time still under Michaëls father, after the family had bought the house in 1978.

After finishing school, Michaël attended a hotel school in Nice, where a teacher advised him to apply to Roger Vergé as a cook apprentice. He promptly got the job at the legendary Moulin de Mougins and learned how to run a family restaurant. Two years later he moved on, calling an even bigger name: Alain Ducasse. In restaurants in London, Paris, and New York, he got the finishing touches to his "product" - how is something cooked, processed, combined...?

"The two completely different experiences under Vergé and Ducasse made me who I am today," says Michaël Fulci. His job as cook, he recounts, had a lot to do with "feeling", having to feel a product to know it fully.

According to the young magician in the kitchen, he doesn't have favourite vegetables or meat. He is always interested in the overall impression: "The food, the wine, but also the service must be right.

"People who come to eat in a Michelin-starred restaurant expect an experience all along the line," says Michaël Fulci. "It is up to me to give them a good time, to listen to them, to give them my best. They should forget their everyday problems for a moment and float on cloud nine." It is also part of his self-image as a host to greet his guests personally towards the end of an evening "when all the dishes are out".

The chef keeps quiet about the fact that there are regularly celebrities among the mouth-watering Fulci treats. only a look at the website reveals who has already dined at Biot's former pottery: an impressive list that includes Robert De Niro, Mick Jagger and Dustin Hoffman... to name but a few. 

the next generation for les terraillers

© Marc Laurin

Photo below Every dot has to be right: a top priority for the chef © D.R.

very dish that leaves Michaël Fulci's kitchen is a small work of art: Fish and meat dishes are elegantly plated, garnished with vegetables and herbs; every trace of sauce, foam or puree is present like decoration. It is no secret that at the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Biot, your eyes feast along with your belly.

For six years now, the 39-year-old chef at "Les Terraillers" has been his own boss. He is in charge of the charming and intimate little restaurant below old town Biot, still showing many details of its origins as a pottery workshop from the 16th century. The former storeroom with its barrel vault and fireplace is now the main dining room, which seats 40 guests. During the summer months, wine is served on the shady terrace.

The ‘Séparée’, where Michaël Fulci welcomes us for a chat, used to be the kiln for the pottery. Today, up to ten guests can enjoy the chef's creations at a round table in seclusion. The room also serves as an office; on the shelf behind the chef is a whole battery of Michelin guides from the last half century. In many of the red books, "Les Terraillers" has a paragraph dedicated to it:

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LES TERRAILLERS Les Terraillers 11 Chemin Neuf 06410 Biot Phone +33 (0)4 93 65 01 59 contact@lesterraillers.com www.lesterraillers.fr Open lunch & dinner, Closed Monday & Tuesday

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GOURMET

le Nid D’aigle a hearty lunch atop Éze village

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Originally from sleepy Suffolk, Lewis Longman moved to Cannes several years ago in the search of something meaningful to fill the predictable void of post-graduate life. Between the ubiquitous palm trees of the sunsoaked Côte d’azur and the terraces of its numerous restaurants, he thinks he has found that something...

erhaps nowhere along the dazzling Côte d’Azur boasts views more spectacular than those from the top of Éze Village, the tiny hilltop village above Monaco, towering across the Mediterannean and all that lies below.

At the top of this charming village perché is the Nid d’Aigle.

The ‘Eagle’s Nest’ is more than an apt name for this restaurant, tucked up high among the trees and the ornate rooftops. The restaurant is not just a great place to spend a sunny winter’s day because of the unparalleled views, but it also prides itself on a lovely menu of rich and warming dishes.

Upon arrival on a sunny Sunday afternoon, its popularity soon became apparent, as a swarm of people had decided to ignore the other restaurants on the way to the top of the hill, arriving en masse. A jungle of limbs and tables certainly proved a challenge for our party which included a pushchair. Much grunting, banging into confused diners and apologies ensued, as eventually we made it to our table upstairs. But the clattering struggle to the summit was well worth it - our table sat next to a window which opened out onto a lovely roof terrace.

The view was spectacular, with terracotta rooftops racing down to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea below and the verdant St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat poking out into the turquoise sea. without the sticky heat of the summer, the winter sky was crystal clear and allowed for views which seemed to stretch for an eternity.

As we were admiring the vista, our food arrived. A mixture of hearty and warm dishes carefully presented. The boeuf bourguignon with gnocchi was a brilliantly rich dish, the gnocchi a subtle nod to our Italian neighbours just a few miles away and within sight from the window. Unsurpri-

Chef of the year Negresco’s Chef virginie basselot takes the trophy

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ongratulations to Negresco’s Executive Chef Virginie Basselot, who was awarded Chef of the Year at the “Trophées de la Gastronomie 2019”. She runs all the restaurants at the Negresco, including La Rotonde and the Michelin starred Chantecler.

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singly the menu is heavily influenced by Italian cuisine, with salads, ravioli, tagliatelle...although our European counterparts may have something to say about the cream in the carbonara - as sinful to the Italians as a well-cooked steak is to the French!

The duck breast, with figs and red cabbage was another excellent dish, doing its utmost to remind us that we were in France after all.

The smell of the food hung in the air amongst the noise of the busy lunch service, and looking out across picturesque Eze and the sweeping Mediterannean below, washed down with wine this lunch certainly went down extremely well. we were fortunate enough to have a table at the very top of the restaurant, and after eating our food we stepped out onto the terrace. Interestingly, there was a washing line with some laundry on it, regardless it didn’t detract from the views. The rooftops seemed to make a continuous path all the way down to the sea, and the sky above was a crisp blue, typical of a sunny winter’s day on the Cote d’Azur.

Considering the restaurant boasts some of the most spectacular views for a restaurant on the coast, the prices are more than reasonable and the food was too filling and wine too plentiful to even consider dessert. on the bright side, the beauty of eating at this spot is there is plenty of post-lunch walking to burn off all the calories. At the very top of the old village, your legs may not thank you, but your stomach certainly will! 

This 12th edition of the “Trophées de la Gastronomie” took place in Lyon on 28 october, 2019.

Three-star Chef Yannick Alléno was godfather/ patron of this year’s edition, taking a break from his kitchens at the Pavillon Ledoyen in Paris and Cheval Blanc restaurant in Courchevel.

Born in Deauville, Virginie Basselot began her career at the Auberge de L’abbeye in Beaumonten-Auge, then went to Cyro’s in Deauville, Paris’ famous Crillon at only 19 years old, and earned her first Michelin star as Chef of the Saint-James in Paris. Before heading to Nice, Virginie worked at La Réserve in Geneva, where she was awarded ‘Chef of the Year’ by the Swiss guide “Gau et Millau”. Chef Basselot symbolizes a new generation in the French gastronomic landscape,

highlighting French savoir-faire, with quality products at the centre of a gastronomic experience without flashy overtures. aBr Negresco Chef virginie Basselot © Claes Bech-Poulsen

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What’s Cooking Winter specials at the Carlton

By NIColE rUSKEll

Carlton soufflé © D.R.

Carlton Dining room © D.R.

Walking into the Carlton feels like walking into hallowed ground. The walls of this turn-of-thecentury Beaux-arts palace are steeped with history from famous love affairs, to wartime espionage, and numerous film shoots. riviera insider takes you inside their acclaimed restaurant for a winter meal with garden feel.

to high quality and sustainably sourced products. The Carlton has been certified Green Globe sustainable approach and respect for local producers.

Chef Bunel’s latest project is ‘what’s Cooking,’ an additional menu with a running theme for each day of the week. Tuesdays are for foie gras, with a selection of plates highlighting this quintessential French ingredient. wednesdays are ‘L’Effet Mer’, all about seafood and shellfish. Thursdays spotlight on Saint Jacques scallops and the numerous ways to prepare them. Fridays are special with a lobster menu “dressed to the nines” and fine Champagne. Saturdays are a day for sushi and beer with the Chef’s take on traditional sashimi (dinner only). And on Sundays they brunch.

of course, the regular menu is always available with their classic favourites like bouillabaisse, blue lobster stew and roast lamb. They also offer a vegetarian and gluten-free selection. For dessert, it’s hard to resist the novelty of their dessert cart, with the compartments of cakes and tarts, but two signature desserts are must-haves: the Carlton tarte au citron (18€), with a delightful surprise in the centre; and the Grand Marnier Soufflé (20€), a top-secret recipe from one of the earliest Carlton chefs. It’s a true testament to French cuisine, perfectly cooked with a thin, crunchy surface that gives way to light and fluffy interior. No sinking, no heavy egg taste, just the delicate flavour of Grand Marnier. It’s as close as you’ll ever get to eating a cloud, but this probably tastes much better.

The what's Cooking menus start at 49€ for lunch, including dessert and a glass of wine; dinner is slightly more, including a starter and an additional glass of wine. The Sunday brunch is 89€/44€ for children under 12.

They also serve High Tea every day between 3 pm and 6 pm (19€). 

Carlton homard © D.R.

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ow lucky are we to have such a place in our own backyard? The beauty of being so close is that we can visit often and enjoy some sumptuous meals in their restaurant. During the winter, we don’t get to enjoy beach-side dining, but their conservatory-style patio lets you enjoy sea views between the palm trees of the Croisette while staying nice and toasty indoors. while other hotels slow down for the winter, the Carlton focuses its energy in the kitchen, always producing something new with special menus of varied cuisine.

Head Chef, Laurent Bunel is described as inventive and passionate and is committed JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

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le Park 45

By NIColE rUSKEll

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New Chefs breathe new life into the menu

Photo 1 head Chef hervé Busson © D.R.

Photo 2 pastry Chef laurianne pons © D.R.

Photo 3 Méditerranéen Colinot with an onion reduction sauce and organic veg © Philippe Auda

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ne of the most colourful addresses on the Croisette is the Grande Hotel. The long expanse of green grass leads to the post-modern hotel decked out in bright, vivid colours. one of the last remaining family-owned, 5-star hotels, it truly is a unique destination.

The restaurant, Le Park 45, had a bit of a rocky year after losing their Michelin star last January and changing both their Head Chef and Patissier. Riviera Insider is on call to try out the menu. It’s a tough job.

Now at the helm is Head Chef Hervé Busson, who, like most chefs, started his career in Paris, working under numerous MoF and Michelin starred chefs. once he arrived in the Côte d’Azur, he worked at the Palme d’or of

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the Hotel Martinez, with the late Christian willer; La Belle otéro at the Carlton with Francis Chaveau, Le Chantecler at the Negresco with Alain Llorca; he rejoined Chef Chaveau at Les Pécheaurs in Antibes and was the Chef de Cuisine of The Grill at Cap Eden Roc. He joined Le Park 45 as sous-chef in 2014 and stayed since. He knows the kitchen better than anyone.

Now, as Head Chef, he has created a new menu with bold dishes with an emphasis on seafood. After 35 years of working in the region, he can prepare fish in unlimited ways. Chef Bussin delights in the myriad ways: delicately steamed filet of colinot, carpaccio of langoustine and scallop tartare (his favourite); divinely created chestnut, mushroom and lobster soup (my favourite). "Fish offers much more possibilities of preparation than meat", he says when he joins our table for a quick chat. He is clearly a humble man with a passion for food.

New pastry chef, Laurianne Pons, is a young fresh addtion to the kitchen. A Nice native, she has already done an impressive culinary circuit as a pastry cook, including Villa Archange in Le Cannet, Le kilamandjaro in Courcheval, Chateau Saint Martin in Vence and L’Apogée Courcheval.

Chef Busson enjoys working with Chef Pons, admitting: “Sometimes it’s better working with women in the kitchen; Laurianne calms the environment.” we highly recommend giving these new chefs a try. Their menu is varied and interesting. The lobster soup is one of the most unusual and delicious soups I’ve had, combining fresh plump forest mushrooms with soft, whole chestnuts, dollops of roasted pumpkin puree and large chunks of tender lobster meat. The menu offers numerous fish dishes, a selection of meat and poultry and a few vegetarian options, including Greek-style vegetables and a pumpkin mushroom risotto.

For a sweet ending, the desserts are classic favourites revamped with the freshest fruit available. Try the apple crumble with cinnamon mouse and gold leaf or the caramelized French toast with fresh pear and hazelnut sorbet.

The menu is very approachable, 39€ for lunch during the week and 65€ in the evening. Park 45 is open daily for lunch and dinner. 

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art russe From bordeaux with love

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hâteau La Grâce Dieu des Prieurs, Collection Art Russe is a series of special edition of Bordeaux whose bottle is a nod to the greatest artists of Russia.

Last autumn, the two-star restaurant Joël Robuchon at the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo added the truly unique wine to their extensive list. The millésime 2015 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru is an award-winning vintage and an instant choice by the restaurant’s sommelier.

The Collection Art Russe is bottled in a unique, collector-worthy bottle, illustrated by 12 different paintings from the collection of the Russian Art Foundation.

The unique concept of combining art and a high-quality Grand Cru, was an attractive combination for the Metropole’s Sommellerie team.

Cheif Sommelier of the Hôtel Métropole Frédéric woelfflé, stated: “The quality of the 2015 vintage and the emphasis on Russian paintings on an old-fashioned bottle seduced us because it is a nod to the Russian clientele who regularly visit the restaurant and the Hotel.”

In 2014, Andreï Filatov took over the Château La Grâce Dieu des Prieurs’ Russian Collection, ‘Art Russe.’ The wine was then reborn through the association of the master of the estate with

the personalities Jean Nouvel, Louis Mitjavile (son of the very charismatic François Mitjavile), and Laurent Prospéri, Director of Château La Grâce Dieu des Prieurs.

That year, an agreement was formed between the Château and the Russian Art Foundation, which has one of the largest collections of Russian and Soviet paintings.

The partnership produced these striking vintage-style bottles with artwork as labels, featuring works by 19th to 20th-century artists such as Ilia Répine, Nicholas Roerich, Geli korjev, Mai Dantsig, the Tkachev brothers, Piotr ossovski and other masters of Russian and Soviet painting.

Laurent Prospéri, Directeur of Le Château La Grâce Dieu des Prieurs, Collection Art Russe is pleased the wine will be served in the Joël Robuchon restaurant. In a statement, he said: "whether it is day or night, the Monegasque art of living resonates with [the Russian] culture and gastronomic elegance, a unique and quintessential setting. our 2015 vintage will be in line with the common wish we have with Frédéric woelfflé to enchant the guests of Joël Rob's restaurant with a myriad of gastronomic flavours.” 

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subtil your new source for biodynamic wine

By NIColE rUSKEll

Two entrepreneurial sommeliers in Monaco have created a new business for a very niche wine market. Their company, Subtil, is committed not only to the distribution of Biodynamic wine, but also the education and awareness of Biodynamic principles.

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émy Grenet, from Burgundy and Alexandre Cordier, from Dijon, both grew up close to the land and immersed in the culture and production of wine. The two attended sommelier school in Dijon, are members of the UDSF (Union of Sommeliers of France) and work together at a top hotel in Monaco.

Several years ago, Rémy had a series of health problems that led him to switch to an entirely organic diet - something he credits for the complete resolution of his symptoms. It was during this time that he learned about Biodynamic principles and the nourishing effects they have on the earth. He also discovered that biodynamic principles have the most noticeable effect on wine production. “It’s pure taste - you’re never disappointed with a biodynamic wine,” he said with a twinkle in his eye.

Combining his expertise in wine with his new found passion for Biodynamics (BD), he sought high-quality BD wine producers across France. Before he knew it, his house was overflowing with cases to share with friends and colleagues. That’s when he realised he was on to something.

Together with his friend and colleague, Alexandre, they started Subtil, an exclusively Biodynamic wine distributorship. It is a niche sector in the wine industry, currently representing only 5-10% of production in France, but it is rapidly growing.

Describing conventional wine as “dead”, Rémy explains that BD wine is literally alive, filled with micro-organisms and enzymes from the fermentation process. “one drop of chemical pesticide can kill the entire vat of wine,” he said. This ‘living’ wine is also not afraid of breathing oxygen - in fact, according to Rémy, BD wine doesn’t oxidase like standard (or organic) wine does. Alex backs this up by saying that Nicola Joly, “the pope of biodynamic wine,” opens his bottles 24 hours ahead.

“IT’S PURE TASTE - YoU’RE NEVER DISAPPoINTED wITH A BIoDYNAMIC wINE”

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Another aspect of this ‘living’ wine is that it “comes out like the culture and the personality of the winemaker,” says Alex. He goes on to describe the interconnected biosphere that we are all a part of and the fallacy of previous generations taking and destroying our planet.

The topic gets him riled up and he shows the goosebumps on his arms: “That’s my emotion showing just by talking about it!”

Sitting with the pair at a cafe in Fontvieille, it is hard to tell who is more passionate about the subtle energies of the earth and how biodynamics respects it.

For this biodynamic duo, Subtil is more than just a distributor of BD wines. They see it as a chance to support biodynamic wine producers, teach people about the principles and how to appreciate the difference in the wine.

“You’re 100% with the terroir,” says Alex. “There are no added sugars, no sulphites and no chemicals.”

Subtil currently has a sizeable selection of French wines, limited to Demeter or Biodyvin certification, the only guarantee that no chemicals were used.

Subtil delivers free of charge across the Côte d’Azur (minimum 6 bottles) and leads private wine tastings at a client’s home or for private events. They describe their website as a “point of discovery” to learn and taste the wines.

“Biodynamics is more important now than 100 years ago,” says Rémy. Adding, with a slight sense of excitement, that it goes completely against the system to be biodynamic.

He makes a good point - in a time of intensive, corporate-owned industrial agriculture, the most anti-establishment move is to respect the earth. Perhaps Rémy is right - could the most rebellious act of our digital age be to pick up the farmer’s almanac?

These two charming young men who work in one of the most glamorous hotels in MonteCarlo speak of the energies of the earth, the phases of the moon and how it affects the terroir. That our health has jeopardised and our soil has been killed by glyphosate - and how we must nourish and replenish.

If this is who you find when you scratch the gilded surface of the principality, there is hope for the future. with 17-year-old Greta Thunberg on the cover of Time Magazine and young entrepreneurs investing in products that heal the earth, perhaps our planet has a fighting chance. 

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WhaT is BioDYnamic farming?

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iodynamic principles take a holistic approach to farming, considering the entire environment as a connected loop. It also takes into account the nutrition of the plants, providing ways to nourish the soil with biodiverse companion planting, special compost treatments and animal waste fertilisers. Every part of the biome is important, from insects to predators; moonlight to rainfall and farmers to consumers.

Sowing, planting, harvesting and pruning are all done according to times of the day, phases of the moon, or cycle of the plant. observing plant respiration, harvest are made at times when the energy of the plant is concentrated in the roots, in the leaves, or in the fruit.

organic wines have now become so common that shelves just about everywhere are lined with ‘certified bio’ choices. And as people become more and more aware of the typical chemical content in wine, organic and ‘Natural wines’ are continuing to gain in popularity. But despite the commercial success of these so-called chemical-free wines, neither has the history, the rigour nor the commitment to soil regeneration than Biodynamics.

Scientist and philosopher, Rudolph Steiner is considered the founder of biodynamics. He first began to research holistic farming practices at the turn of the 20th century. In the 1920s he gave a series of lectures entitled: ‘Spiritual foundations for the renewal of Agriculture’, and together with a group of farmers known as the Experimental Circle of Anthroposophical Farmers, they founded a cooperative to test and experiment different techniques. If Steiner was looking for a way to renew agriculture back in the ‘20s, one could only imagine what he thinks of our current industrial agriculture practices!

Going beyond the limitation of pesticide use, Biodynamic wineries work with the vines and the surrounding environment to make them the happiest, healthiest and most vibrant the vines can be. And on the processing side, a certified Biodynamic wine can only use naturally occurring yeasts found in the vineyard itself for fermentation.

There are strict limits on additives like sugar and sulphites, neither of which are allowed.

These two factors alone have created a devout following of people who suffer from headaches or flushing after drinking conventional wine.

By 1928, the Demeter Association was formed, acting as an educational and certification body for biodynamic agriculture. It quickly gained popularity across Europe and is still the main certifying body for biodynamic agriculture. There are different regulations set for different types of products, such as agriculture, aquaculture, viticulture and food production.

But the biggest reason biodynamic wine is sweeping through the wine world is the taste. A recent French study showed that while consumers chose organic wine over conventional wine, the average consumer could not taste a clear difference between the two. This is where Biodynamic wine blows the competition away. Consistently winning awards and high points, Biodynamic wines have an undeniable taste that both conventional and organic wines can’t produce. A deep, rich and earthy terroir is literally in the glass and people love it.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BIODYNAMIC AND ORGANIC? This is perhaps the most common question. while they are both similar in the idea of natural, chemical-free growing techniques, they are two very different methods.

Biodynamic principles go way beyond the foundations of organic - which only limits the use of chemicals - by respecting the entire biosphere and actively nourishing the plants. Therefore, anything Biodynamic is organic, but not everything organic is Biodynamic.

Said to be the truest expression of terroir, Biodynamic wine has become increasingly popular in recent years and some of Europe’s top wineries are making the switch to Biodynamic.

Biodynamic wine distributor subtil@subtilwine.com www.subtilwine.com

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New and Notable By alExa BoUhElIEr-rUEllE

MIRABEAU ROSÉ GIN mong the pines, oak trees and chestnut groves in Provence, a new Provençal gin is blending the best ingredients Provence has to offer.

This summer, we featured Mirabeau en Provence, a family-run winery in the Var making a delightful rosé.

The British-German Cronk family is happily living out the dream of making wine in the south of France. what we didn’t know is that they were busy crafting a new gin made from their own rosé.

The new Mirabeau Rosé Gin is made from delicately scented grape alcohol extracted from the winery’s signature rosé, Forever Summer. This unusual Cuvee is the world’s first lowered alcohol and vegan rosé and now it is also the base for their gin. This small-batch spirit stands out in the growing pink gin category. It remains a true juniper-based gin, however, its particularity lies in the array of botanicals native to the South of France which adds further aromatic layers and intricate complexity.

Using a 100% grape-based (grain-free) neutral spirit, Mirabeau Rosé Gin is a dry Gin at its core with lemon and coriander notes, as well as orris, Angelica root, rose petals, lavender, jasmine, bay, thyme and rosemary to create a flavour of the local terroir. Plus, the addition of some Mirabeau Classic Rosé gives a luxurious texture to the finished product. The retrostyle bottle design was based on an old perfume flacon reminiscent of the 1930s glamour of the French Riviera. Avaible from January.

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MICHELIN PARTNERS WITH TRIP ADVISOR AND THE FORK n 3 December 2019, Michelin Guide, TripAdvisor, and The Fork announced an international strategic partnership at a press conference in Paris.

It is quite an about-face from the Michelin Guide after closing the door to TripAdvisor and other booking platforms several years ago. websites letting people judge restaurants without any expertise was something Michelin would have no part of. But time has passed and our ever-changing digital world has forced the hallowed guide to adapt to a new reality.

“Everything is about experiences, good experiences, and for us, the best experiences happen around a table, together with friends and family”, says Scott Clark, member of the executive committee of the Michelin Group.

This new partnership can come as a surprise, but it will enable users to easily book a table at their favourite Michelin restaurants right from the app on their smartphone. More than 40% of the 14,000 restaurants officially selected by

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NICE’S NEWEST CRAFT BEER, THE BLUEDOG etween the Mediterranean and the Albert I Gardens, Scottish Pub chain BrewDog settled in Nice last August with one purpose: offering a curated artisanal beer menu highlighting locally brewed beers. Last october, Joining forces with Nice-based Blue Coast Brewing Company, they launched “The BlueDog” a craft beer with a taste of the Riviera. Both companies share a similar passion for artisanal beer and at its very best, this new collaboration mirrors the richness and diversity of artisanally brewed beer on the French Riviera.

Robert Bush, Blue Coast Brewing’s Master Brewer declared that “when asked to create a new beer, I thought of something different. That’s when I came up with the idea of reflecting on a specific ‘season’ – a beer that would be rustic and higher in alcohol than usual. To achieve this French Riviera note, I added rosemary when infusing the beer for a very distinctive smell.”

Respecting traditional brewery methods, the resulting “BlueDog” offers something different to beer lovers; a creamy and refreshing beer, with a golden yellow colour that smells of banana notes and rosemary, followed by a very specific taste of spices. Now on tap at BrewDog Nice.

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the Michelin Guide can now be found worldwide on TripAdvisor’s app. This way, people can find the expertise of the Michelin guide and consumers recommendations on a restaurant all in one place. In parallel, Michelin sold off their own online booking platform, Bookatable, to The Fork, which is owned by Trip Advisor.

Bertrand Jelensperger, senior vice-president of TripAdvisor Restaurants and Chief Executive of The Fork stated: “we are pleased to welcome Michelin’s Bookatable in the TripAdvisor family. This partnership allows us to carry on developing our activities and our geographical expansion so we can walk side by side with more restaurant owners in this digital age, as well as offering optimized services to our clients.” on one hand, the Michelin Guide represents a form of gastronomical excellence, a very important and legendary institution to many restaurants and chefs around the world. Many of whom don’t want to appear on platforms such as The Fork. But on the other hand, there is no denying that customer’s habits have changed and sales of the little red book of culinary excellence have decreased over the last few years. Therefore, Michelin hopes to promote the Guide’s expertise to a new generation and a larger public. Indeed, both The Fork and TripAdvisor will allow customers to make an informed choice in selecting their next culinary experience. 

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the new Mercedes design centre in Sophia-antipolis © AS

Cars for the day after tomorrow Mercedes-benz is designing the future in the Côte d'azur

Mercedes-Benz opened its international Design Center in Sophia-antipolis in autumn to an exclusive crowd of journalists from all over the world for the first time - and the riviera insider was there. Here, a reportage about the attempt to unite past and future, luxury and state-ofthe-art technology into one vision.

By SörEN MüllEr-haNSEN

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o this is where it's meant to be, the future of Mercedes-Benz, the future of design and luxury of this historic car brand. A tube made of glass and metal gives the impression that someone has forgotten it somewhere deep below the ground when building a tunnel. From the cloudless sky, the sun shines mercilessly on the large, darkened, freshly polished window front that reflects the pine forest around the building. The round vault is 50 metres long and 20 metres wide. It doesn't look like an appearance from the future, yet the unusual form is refreshing and clear.

Above the narrow entrance reads "Transformation of Luxury" - but the lettering is the only thing that reminds us of luxury out here, apart from the expensive limousines parked a little further away.

sniffing out trends The interior of the building is also simple, clear angular forms of concrete and metal determine the architecture. A team of 30 designers are working here on a vision for the future of Mercedes-Benz. No car is to be built here that can dominate the market in two years. This "International Design Center" in the Sophia-Antipolis Technology Park in the hinterland of Antibes is

an investment in the distant future. Fine noses are needed to sniff out trends before they even exist. The car brand does not see itself as a follower in a competitive market. It wants to set its own accents and help shape the future.

It is important for Mercedes to be perceived as a desirable trendsetter. That's why Chief Design officer, Gorden wagener, invited a host of handpicked journalists from all over the world to this new design centre on the Côte d'Azur for the first time to spread the message of the exclusive and future-oriented car brand. In order to be able to have a say in how luxury changes which has always been the core business of Mercedes-Benz.

"Luxury makes progress possible, it drives innovation and creates value," is how wagener describes his vision. "Luxury is constant change and an incentive to achieve goals. The constant pursuit of perfection ensures a constant stream of new innovations". Mercedes wants to reinvent itself over luxury, and it doesn't want to be stingy with big slogans. They wanted to develop from "industrial design to the haute couture of the car industry," says wagener, forgetting that a car is not a piece of clothing. Nevertheless, the term is not completely wrong, because it is supposed to be tailor-made, the luxury limouJanuarY / feBruarY 2020

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sine of the future. According to the vision, anyone who buys a Mercedes should not only drive it but also feel comfortable in it. The car should enter into a relationship with the driver.

Vision EQS is what they call the show car they are working on here. By means of artificial intelligence, it should adapt to the driver and match colours and sounds to his mood. If the combustion engine, the trademark of German engineering art, has to give way to electric motors in the future, Mercedes will need new sales arguments and will have to make sensible use of the space created by the elimination of the engine. The ambitious goal is to become the most popular design and luxury brand in the world. For designers, luxury is a state of great comfort and elegance, and of course, by no means cheap. They like this definition in the British oxford Dictionary. Elegant is also much of what Mercedes presents to journalists: the curved lines inside and outside the car, the slim seats and the reduced displays, which always show only the information they need.

auro with blue edges, interior © SMH

virtual Worlds Elsewhere, however, the definition of luxury in in the German dictionary, Duden, fits better: "costly, lavish, beyond the normal scope, not necessary, only for the sake of pleasure". The Duden even cites the "unnecessary" car as an example. And in fact, some of the gimmicks of the Mercedes designers raise the question of what this is supposed to be good for. For example, the concept of creating experiences of nature inside the car; a landscape appears on the windscreen, the seat vibrates, light and sound effects, as well as a breeze in the face, should make immersion perfect. It's an ironic idea to want to create an intense experience of nature within a car. Shouldn't the car create the freedom to drive to places where the occupants can actually experience nature?

But designers don't just create virtual worlds for future customers. They also want to use them soon to simplify the development of new concepts. In a dark room in which only a few futuristic car sketches are sparsely lit on the walls, Mercedes presents the "Typhoon Experience". with VR glasses on your head, you enter a virtual hall, completely made of Mercedes silver, in which two racing cars and an airplane are standing. At the touch of a button, you can reach any point in the room and look at the cars from any angle. This room is still only used as a creative exercise to develop new design ideas.

In the future, however, the designers also want to design entire vehicles in this way. Because digital ideas are much easier to try out than with a physical model.

vision EQS © SMH + AS the modelling clay used to build models © SMH

Design from clay This will not eliminate the classic clay model, which is still essential for the design of the external shape of the car at Mercedes today.

"Luxury can be shaped," says Steffen köhl, head of Advanced Exterior Design, and takes a piece of industrial clay from the oven, from which they create the ideal shape for their car. In this state, at 58 degrees Celsius, the brown-red mass feels supple, like clay. If you rub it betJanuarY / feBruarY 2020

Mr Köhl with one of the models © SMH

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the car brand makes every effort to use alternative materials in the interior of its show car © SMH

ween your fingers, you can perceive a subtle smell of sulphur. once it has cooled down, the clay remains rock-hard. However, one of the designers explains that you have to be careful during some open-air demonstrations. If the sun heats up the model too much, the work of many weeks could melt like butter.

There is a 3.5 ton model of the Vision EQS show car in the room. It is no longer recognizable that huge masses of clay are hidden under the glued-on foils. The soft, Mediterranean light that is supposed to make this building so special cannot be seen here; instead, black blinds block out the sun. Fluorescent tubes on the ceiling replace what nature would provide. Sustainability is one of the goals with which Mercedes-Benz wants to create luxury - an immaterial luxury that is intended to give customers a feeling of respect and trust.

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Showing such gimmicks here in Sophia-Antiachieved with this announcement. polis returns the cylindrical building to its origiAs the cloth lifts, the vehicle underneath nal purpose. Video game distributor Albert appears, strongly reminiscent of the historic Loridan had the building built as its headSimplex. It consists of not much more than the quarters in the 1980s, and in 2008 an American white engine compartment in front, a small company took over its Micromania brand. Besteering wheel, a light blue bench without a fore Mercedes-Benz bought the building in 2017, roof and four tyres protruding far outwards, it stood empty for several years. which are narrow but bigger than bicycle tyres.

At the time, the tradition-conscious car brand "Vision Mercedes Simplex" is what the designers was looking for a design location on call the electrically powered the Côte d'Azur in order to return to vehicle, which is truly captiits roots. 118 years ago, in 1902, the vating in its simplicity, but car enthusiast Emil Jellinek spent a also reminiscent of the Ger«LUXURY MAkES lot of time in Nice and sold the veman definition of luxury: not PRoGRESS hicles bearing the star to the rich. a necessary effort - only PoSSIBLE, IT what was revolutionary at the time made for pleasure.

DRIVES was that the car was no longer reThis world premiere is garded as a motorised carriage. Insa bit of a gimmick, a creative INNoVATIoN AND tead of fitting the drivetrain to a car, exercise. It will never be sold, CREATES VALUE» Benz built the vehicle with the eloand köhl even says that the quent name "Simplex" around the vehicle can move, but he fixed engine - as is still the case wouldn't call it "driving". "we today. designed everything with a Jellinek loved to take part in races through the touch of humour," he says about the concept countryside with his cars, which reached car. speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour, proBut the "Vision Mercedes Simplex" has one purbably also because he regularly won races with pose in any case: it symbolizes how Mercedesthem. It was common for him not to compete Benz envisions its future; radical and simple, under his real name. In honour of his daughter, luxurious and with a love of detail, modern, traJellinek chose the pseudonym "Monsieur Merdition-conscious, with a hint of humour - and cédès". Today, the brand itself bears the name, of course somewhat superfluous.  which is part of its identity.

a circle closes If Mercedes-Benz wants to redefine luxury on the Côte d'Azur today, then the past should not be forgotten in all these futuristic approaches. "we want to close a circle," announced Steffen köhl and, together with his boss Gorden wagener, touches a black cloth under which the contours of a car with unusually large tyres clearly appears. Among these are supposed to be THE world premiere, which the two had mysteriously announced in the course of the day again and again. The comprehensive staging, which they follow in their design, was also vision Mercedes Simplex © Daimler AG

Plastic waste in the ceiling panelling Even if a luxury limousine is certainly not what environmentalists would expect for sustainability, the luxury car brand is making every effort to use alternative materials in the interior of its showcars. Belinda Günther, the only woman to present her field of activity to journalists today, shows a textile leather replacement with a recycled portion for the seats, wood panelling from locally grown maple trees and a fabric for the ceiling panelling, which also incorporates plastic fished from the ocean. The designers want to awaken the driver's playful instinct for economical driving. This is accomplished by holding a virtual ball in the blue area in the middle of the screen. As soon as the driver accelerates or brakes intensively, the ball rolls into the critical red area.

Simplex car, Gorden Wagener © AS

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

Cannes On air By rUI FErrEIra

«if you build it, they will come»

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Campus Bastide rouge Cannes © Christophe Gulizzi Architecte

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he idea here is simple to tell: Make the Côte d'Azur the "Silicon Valley of the audiovisual industry" with Cannes as its epicentre. with the Cannes Film Festival and market, Cannes Lions, MIPTV, MIPCoM, Midem and the newborn CANNESERIES, turning on thousands of creative lights around the city every year, the fervent relationship between Cannes and the creative industries isn’t news at all. However, Ville de Cannes is about to take this commitment further with their recently announced large-scale project “Cannes on Air”. with this new entity, the city points its efforts to boost and develop the sector by providing the municipality with all the necessary links across the audiovisual content creation chain, attracting talent and turning La Bastide Rouge into an audiovisual technopole and a hive of the creative economy.

“The first link is the university,” said Mayor David Lisnard, announcing a partnership with the Université Côte D’Azur to create a 4,445 m2 campus where 1,200 students will be trained in scriptwriting and audiovisual production. The program will offer 16 degrees covering feature films, television series, web formats, advertising, journalism, and video games. In addition, the city also supports the establishment of a 140-unit student residence in La Bocca.

In the same building, as an extension of CréaCannes (founded in 2014), a 2,020 m2 co-working space for young companies will provide individual or collective office space, meeting rooms, an auditorium, shooting and postproduction studios available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Cineum Cannes, with 12 cinemas equipped with the latest technologies, will feature the largest screen in south-east France and a total of 2,426 seats. This futu-

ristic multiplex is set to open its doors in June 2020, in the heart of the Bastide Rouge creative technopole, near the Cité des Entreprises and the future university campus. The plan will also include the renovation of the Ambassadors' Lounge and the creation of a 500 seat capacity projection room on the roof of the Palais des Festivals. According to the mayor, the implementation of the Cannes on Air project as a whole represents a 500 million euros investment, of which 175 million euros have already been invested, committed or programmed. 

BIG NAMES Personalities such as Maxime Saada (Canal +), véronique Cayla (Arte France), Sidonie Dumas (Gaumont) and the president of the César, alain Terzian were gathered to discuss the Cannes On air project with David Lisnard in Paris last October. in the same event, these industry representatives were all appointed members of the Cannes on air editorial and scientific committee, for which they play an advisory role on the future of audio-visual production in France.

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In the centre: Claire-anne reix, president of the palais des Festivals et Congres; David lisnard, Mayor of Cannes and paul Zilk, president of reed Midem. ©Ville de Cannes

who surge into the small city bring hundreds of millions of euros to the local economy. Fully-booked hotels, packed restaurants, thriving event planners, and busy taxi service also equate to a thriving economy.

The reed miDem agreement Inside the 2019 MIpCoM show

the Palace of Festivals

By NIColE rUSKEll

Cannes continues to lead as an international trade destination

annes is not only becoming the epicentre of creative arts, it is also a major destination for international trade shows and Congresses. The Palais des Festivals plays host to numerous shows, most famously the Cannes Film Festival, Cannes Lions, Tax-Free world and the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), all of which have been making Cannes their home and playground for decades. This list can go on for pages when all of the conventions are listed.

It’s no surprise industries choose Cannes for their annual get-togethers, what for the (usually) amazing weather, the proximity to an international airport, the ease of travel within Cannes, the Croisette with its beaches (easily transformed into VIP party spots for companies), the hotels, restaurants and the abundance of quality caterers. Not to mention the attendees fall in love with the Côte d’Azur and fill social media feeds with pictures from every angle. It really is a top event capital in Europe.

Riviera Insider has attended many of the conventions this year and each one is unique, with interior spaces so different it could seem like a completely new location each time. The teams that transform the customisable building and the length of the Croisette into a new world every few weeks is truly remarkable.

From the business side, the city of Cannes works very closely with the Convention Bureau and the Palais, which was awarded last year for its safety and security management. This is all to the benefit of the city because in addition to the revenue for hosting these functions, the hundreds of thousands of attendees

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one of the biggest convention companies, Reed MIDEM, has been holding their shows in Cannes since 1965. Reed MIDEM, world leader in the organization of events, chose to launch its shows in Cannes in 1965.

Today, the Palais des Festivals hosts six of their exhibitions each year: MIDEM, MIPIM, MIPTV, MIPCoM, MAPIC and now E-SPoRTS BAR (for electronic sports).

Each year, just these six shows bring more than 62,000 professionals from over 130 different nationalities in the music, television and real estate industries. It has an impressive effect on the city, generating an average of 170,000 hotel nights and 250 million euros in revenue for the city per year (again, just for these six shows).

In December 2019, Cannes Mayor, David Lisnard; Paul Zilk, President of Reed MIDEM; Claire-Anne Reix and Didier Boidin, respectively President and CEo of SEMEC, who operate the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes, signed a new partnership contract. The agreement confirms the continued hosting of Reed MIDEM’s six annual exhibitions from January 2020 to December 2024, thus renewing the historic 50-year partnership.

For the past decade, Cannes City Hall has been working to implement a proactive policy of improvement of the city as a destination and the quality of services offered to delegates. However, Mayor Lisnard understands that maintaining strong relationships goes beyond business. In a press conference, he discussed how “the emotional bonds forged over the years and the experiences shared between Reed MIDEM and the ‘‘destination Cannes” are the cement of a continued partnership. He also points out that many of the MIDEM shows were born in Cannes. “The investments made by the destination's public and private stakeholders have helped to strengthen its safety, cleanliness, transport and logistics. These major improvements, including those made in all the neighbourhoods have made our city more attractive. A metamorphosis that strengthens our global offer and leads our international partners to choose Cannes.”

The biggest changes for Reed MIDEM in Cannes have occurred within the last five years. They launched ESports BAR in 2017 and in 2018, organised the first CANNESERIES, the International Festival of TV Series, including MIPTV. Next year will see the launch of LeisurUp, a new entertainment event format responding to economic, industrial and societal changes.

Stay tuned.  JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

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BUSINESS & FINANCE nilesat-301, third telecom satellite contract of the year

© De testing / Shutterstock.com

a Champagne year for thales

By JEaN-pIErrE larGIllEt

a series of contracts closed 2019 with hope

hales Alenia Space breathed a sigh of relief before the closing of 2019 with a new EGNoS contract with the European Space Agency. Their flagship establishment in Cannes has been under threat of job cuts and some trade unionists have even feared for the sustainability of the site. At one point, there was talk that an estimated 500 positions could be eliminated by early retirement or "voluntary" departures between Cannes and Toulouse campuses. But by the end of 2019, several contracts have come in, one after the other, to replenish the workload. Now the future prospects are brightening with a budget of €14.4 billion over three years granted by ESA, the European Space Agency.

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a decrease in telecommunications satellites worldwide Jean-Loïc Galle, President and CEo of Thales Alenia Space, came to Cannes at the end of November to mark the departure of konnect, the first satellite to use Thales’ Spacebus NEo platform. It was an order from Eutelsat to launch a new revolution in satellite Internet.

Galle had certainly been cautious but confident about the evolution of the group's workload and therefore employment. He recalled that the telecommunications satellite market had highs and lows with a more euphoric period of orders up until 2017 (it had allowed the hiring of 500 people in Cannes at that time) and a decline thereafter with only seven orders for telecommunications satellites world-wide in 2018.

The Nilesat-301 for the Egyptian operator, Nilesat completed the telecom satellite orders for the year, after the orders of Satria (Indonesia) in July and Eutelsat 10B at the end of october. Mr Galle revealed that a year should end with a dozen orders, but a third contract in 2019 shows improvement. He then suggested that other contracts should come for his group both in telecoms and other fields in which the Cannes campus is widely involved.

As prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space (TAS) will be responsible for the design, manufacture, testing and in-orbit acceptance of the Nilesat-301 satellite. In addition, TAS will provide for Nilesat's control centres in Cairo and Alexandria. Based on the Spacebus 4000B2 platform, the satellite, with a launch weight of 4 tonnes, is scheduled to be launched in the first quarter of 2022. Its lifetime in orbit will be more than 15 years.

Nilesat-301 is the second (after Nilesat-201) geostationary communications satellite built by TAS on behalf of Nilesat. It is also the 4th payload developed by them on behalf of the Egyptian operator.

a new version of egnos for the european commission It doesn’t end there - the horizon has also brightened with the announcement of a new contract with European Space Agency on behalf of the European Commission. This contract will enable TAS to develop a new version of EGNoS (European satellite navigation system designed to improve the positioning messages provided by the GPS system) incorporating new advanced functionalities. with a total amount of approximately €78 million, it focuses primarily on the geographical extension of the EGNoS SBAS coverage; the implementation of a new generation of reference stations (RIMS); the algorithmic improvement of the computing centre (CPF) for better system performance and increasing the security of the system. The certification and implementation of this new evolution is planned for 2023.

€14.4 billion europe in space budget Finally, more prospects are opening up with the decision by the ministers of the 22 Member States of the European Space Agency to grant a record budget of €14.4 billion over three years to ESA, to keep Europe competitive in an intensifying space race.

Thales Alenia Space will now be able to provide reassurance for their employees for the next few years. 

eutelsat 10B in october The first contract of the end of this champagne year is that of Eutelsat 10B, announced in october. It is a telecommunications satellite ordered by Eutelsat to provide connectivity for boats and aircraft. The amount of the order was not communicated, but specialists estimated the price of the satellite alone at around €200 million. It is an innovative, all-electric model based on the Spacebus NEo platform with, as Mr Galle detailed: "a transparent 5th generation digital processor for an entirely digital mission".

JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

telecom satellite order drawing, Nilesat-301 © D.R.

BUSINESS & FINANCE

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as her dedicated Private Client Manager. Now that we’ve designed and set up suitable strategic tax planning, investments, pensions and estate planning arrangements, it’s over to James to make sure everything runs smoothly and remains relevant for her family’s needs. while James will keep me in the loop at our Monday meetings, I arrange to catch up with Judy at our next client event.

Post-lunch, I work on a seminar presentation for local accountants’ and solicitors’ clients. Blevins Franks holds regular seminars and social events in France – contact us or see our website for more.

blevins Franks What does a working week look like for Blevins Franks’ Senior Partner covering South east France and Monaco? rob Kay takes us through a typical week from October.

a week in the life of senior Partner, rob Kay

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rob (centre) meeting with his team © D.R.  Photo 2

rob giving his weekly interview at riviera radio © D.R.

Blevins Franks Group is represented in France by the following companies: Blevins Franks Financial Management Limited (BFFM) and Blevins Franks France SASU (BFF). BFFM is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the Uk, reference number 179731. where advice is provided outside the Uk, via the Insurance Distribution Directive or the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II, the applicable regulatory system differs in some respects from that of the Uk. Blevins Franks France SASU (BFF), is registered with oRIAS, registered number 07 027 475, and authorised as “Conseil en Investissements Financiers” and “Courtiers d’Assurance” Category B (register can be consulted on www.orias.fr). Member of ANACoFICIF. BFF’s registered office: 1 rue Pablo Neruda, 33140 Villenave d’ornon – RCS BX 498 800 465 APE 6622Z. Garantie Financière et Assurance de Responsabilité Civile Professionnelle conformes aux articles L 541-3 du Code Monétaire et Financier and L512-6 and 512-7 du Code des Assurances (assureur MMA). Blevins Franks Tax Limited provides taxation advice; its advisers are fully qualified tax specialists. This promotion has been approved and issued by BFFM.

I’m in the Valbonne office early for a call with our Head of operations in Malta. Today, Nigel outlines some changes within our pensions team that will help us cover a busy time for transfers prior to Brexit. Next, I check my emails and deal with anything urgent before meeting with the area’s Private Client Managers (PCMs). Tom, James and Henry have regular reviews with our clients to make sure their financial planning strategy continues to meet their needs, so these weekly catch-ups are invaluable in sharing how things are going.

Another weekly meeting comes via a conference call with other French Partners. we discuss which clients we’ve seen and anything relevant that’s cropped up. Sharing good practice is key – if something happens in one part of France, it can happen elsewhere, so this enables us to forewarn our clients about any issues and prepare solutions.

Later, I head to the Monaco office to catch up on emails and calls before heading home.

TuesDaY After a short walk to the Monaco office, I prepare for Friday’s meeting with a potential new client, who has recently moved here from the Uk. There’s a potentially unusual tax situation in this case, so I speak to our London-based tax specialists to clarify how we can best prepare a strategic, tax-efficient solution for them.

I prepare our weekly broadcast for Riviera Radio, where I discuss relevant financial topics for expatriates in France and Monaco. You may be surprised how much work goes into planning a 15-minute interview! The ‘Blevins Franks Report’ is broadcast on 106.5 Riviera Radio every Sunday at 09:30/19:30 CET or you can catch up on the Blevins Franks website.

friDaY It’s time for the new client meeting. Although I prepared thoroughly for this on Tuesday, the most important part of this process is meeting people face-to-face and listening to what they want. Every family is different, so it’s crucial to take a holistic view and take time to fully understand their situation, goals and needs.

In this case, a couple has recently relocated to France and didn’t realise how French succession law will affect them. Not only will their Uk wills be overridden by ‘forced heirship’ rules, but their step-children would also face much higher French succession tax rates. I recommended an English-speaking notaire who can help them generate the necessary paperwork. And, of course, I could structure a suitable estate plan that would mitigate unnecessary taxes alongside a tax-efficient wealth management and pensions planning strategy.

Happy with the proposals, they agreed to proceed with a strategic planning report to take things further. what a great way to end the working week! 

WeDnesDaY Back in the Valbonne office, I sit down with our Paraplanner, Adam, to go through outstanding reports. There’s a hold-up with a client’s previous pension scheme providing us transfer documentation, so we follow this up.

Today, with Brexit and potential changes to pension rules, it’s essential to get pension cases through as quickly and seamlessly as possible.

Later, I welcome Judy to the office, who has recently come on-board as a client and introduce her to James

CONTACT : rob for a strategic financial planning review: +33 (0)4 93 00 17 80. www.blevinsfranks.com

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L IFESTYLE

sophia Welcomes talent the new ‘welcome wagon’ for international professionals

By JEaN-pIErrE larGIllEt

n the wake of Sophia’s 50th anniversary, Team Côte d'Azur, Sophia Club Entreprises and the Communauté d'Agglomération Sophia Antipolis organised a gathering in December for the newcomers of the year: ‘Sophia welcomes Talent’. This friendly meeting between designed to bring together companies and employees who have been based in Sophia since the beginning of 2019 within the Sophia Antipolis ecosystem.

Held at the Golden Tulip Sophia Antipolis restaurant, which was superbly refurbished in 2016, the event was well attended with nearly two hundred participants, new and old alike. This was an opportunity for Jean Leonetti, President of CASA, Frédéric André, President of the Sophia Club Entreprises and Philippe Servetti, Director of Team Côte d'Azur, to recall in brief speeches the dynamics of the science park with an average creation of 1,000 jobs annually as well

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riviera business Club 2019 business Person and start-up of the year awards ach year, in association with the Nice Côte d'Azur Chamber of Commerce (CCI), the Riviera Business Club hosts an award for Business Person of the Year and Start-Up of the year. winners are chosen by a panel of judges who thoroughly examine the stability, growth and potential of businesses nominated by the public.

The Chairman of this year’s panel of judges was Greg Harris, Managing Director of Cote

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JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

© ImageFlow / Shutterstock.com

as the prospects opened by the Business Pole, the IDEX and 3IA labels obtained by the Université Côte d'Azur’s Maison de l'Intelligence Artificielle.

The meeting was also to facilitate their rapid integration with the "welcome Guide Côte d'Azur" that has been created in English, in both print and Internet versions (welcometothecotedazur.com). This guide provides the essentials for living in the Côte d’Azur, including settling in, living, doing business, studying, or doing research. This year, Team Côte d'Azur recorded around fifteen new businesses in the science park from Great Britain (the Abaka Fintech), Belgium (Expopolis, software sector), the United States (Sikur in ICT and Neutigers in alternative medicine) and Spain (omonovo, health sector).

All these newcomers are in addition to the talents from all over the world who have integrated each year through companies already established and who contribute to the intellectual wealth of the science park.

This Sophia welcomes Talent was one of the last events of 2019, marking the 50th anniversary of the business park. on 19 December, the ceremony with the sealing of the "Time capsule 50 years of Sophia Antipolis’’ at the Centre International de Valbonne (CIV). Companies and employees were invited to submit their messages and objects which will be encapsulated to safeguard goods and information in a journey through time for future generations. It will be reopened in 2069 for the 100th anniversary of the science park! 

d'Azur Villas and winner of the RBC Business Person of the Year award in 2013.

The award ceremony, which is organised by RBC President, George kasiliyake, was held on 29 November at the Radisson Blu in Cannes.

Guests were welcomed with a Champagne reception before seating for dinner with lively and witty entertainment from hosts Sarah Lycett & Mark Dezzani of Riviera Radio.

The multi-course dinner was highlighted by portraits of the nominees and a fashion show of custom evening dresses. Co-Sponsors of the event included La Compagnie, The Vertech Group, Andyana, Photoxygen, Bandol & Riviera wine Tours and Riviera Insider.

At the very end of the evening, the winners were announced, giving the 2019 title of Business Person of the Year to Andrea Popescu, Creator & Founder of Andyana, a young and dynamic glass trading company created in 2004. Based in Valbonne, has more than 10 years’ experience in the tableware industry and a client list of some of the most prestigious business organisations in France. It is Andyana, in fact, who creates the beautiful RBC awards. In her acceptance speech, she

joked that she gets to bring back one of the trophies. winning the RBC Start-Up of The Year was Nick Goult, CEo of Azurgouttiere, a locallybased house gutter manufacturer who started last year after not finding any quality gutters for the luxury properties he builds. winners were each gifted tickets to NYC from La Compagnie airline.  Congratulations to the winners!

rBC award winners, andrea popescu and Nick Goult

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Why use an Expat Financial Adviser in France? a

the economic climate in 2019 sunny to partly cloudy ccording to an analysis by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Nice-Côte d'Azur (CCI) and the regional delegation of the Banque de France, the economy of the Côte d'Azur and especially of the department Alpes-Maritimes was not bad in 2019, "sans plus". According to CCI President Jean-Pierre Savarino, economic growth slowed down, but still stood at 0.5 percent.

Industry was able to maintain its good level up to the end of the year. The government's concessions following the Yellow Vest protests had a positive effect. Investment, however, fell by 4 percent after a very lively 2018.

The construction industry also performed well overall, especially in the public sector. However, investment in new projects has again slowed (minus 8.7 percent). The upcoming local elections should lead to a temporary slowdown in projects as well.

Services are developing very well (up 2.6 percent). Here investment rose by almost 3 percent and the number of jobs by 1.3 percent.

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labour shortage Speaking of jobs, it’s a sensitive issue. Not so much because unemployment remains high, despite the progress made over the last three years with around one million new jobs created throughout France. No, the main concern now is the shortage of qualified workers, especially on the Côte d'Azur with its highly developed services sector. Some companies have had to curb their development despite their high potential because there just isn’t the labour force to support it.

There are other clouds on the horizon, but they affect all regions and all countries: Brexit, the trade wars triggered by Trump, uncertainty in the automotive industry, climate protection. Almost all highly developed countries are forecasting slower growth for 2020, in some cases even a decline.

Germany will suffer particularly because of its strong dependence on exports, more so than France.

Although the signs are not exactly predicting a storm, 2020 looks to changeable based on how the winds blow. Jl 

ccording to recent industry surveys, as much as 68% of expats do not have a reliable expat financial adviser. It’s probably not a coincidence, then, that the same surveys find that twothirds of expats worry that they will not have enough money to retire or in retirement.

As an expat, you are likely to have taken professional advice on contracts, housing, and medical matters. But why not always on your financial planning? Particularly now you live in a country that maybe not your own? Expat financial advice and planning is just another area where it makes sense to take professional advice to fully understand with someone experienced in cross border financial planning to be sure that you’re making the right choices.

This can relate to your Uk or international pensions, generating income from existing or potential new tax compliant French investment solutions, tax worries, French mortgages or insurances. All these areas often leave an expat living in France not sure where to turn. what are the pitfalls to avoid when picking an adviser in France?

Many financial advisers claim to have your best interests at heart, but outside of the Uk including in France where commissions can still be taken this can often not be the case. Some key questions to ask your financial adviser when deciding to assess your options: ● Are you fee-based or commission-based? ● Does the product or fund that you are being recommended have an exit penalty? ● where are they regulated? Do they have a physical office in France?

What are the initial and ongoing product charges? ● Do they have customer testimonials? Have they been independently rated for service standards?

only accept fee-based advice , where fees are transparent and explained to you before you proceed with any advice, avoid any hidden financial surprises.

Why use Harrison Brook as your financial adviser in France? ● Fee-Based - it’s a hand in hand relationship. we won’t take any big initial commissions and stop caring about your money once we’ve been paid. ● Transparent - we pride ourselves at being one of the only fully transparent fee-based financial planners in France. ● Regulated Fully in France - for investment, insurance and mortgage advice. ● French Registered Business ● Proven Performance - no exit penalties and ‘clean’ class funds only. ● Reach - our offices are just outside of Nice, but we cover the whole of France. 

ryan Frost, Private Client adviser 1752 route Nationale 7, 06270 villeneuve-Loubet Tel: +33 (0)4 92 08 06 41 email: info@harrisonbrook.fr www.harrisonbrook.fr

JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

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ART & CULTURE

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totoya hokkei (1780-1850), the hernnetety, from the triptych of the three Qualities series, 18201833 shikishiban surimono, nishiki-e, embossing, metallic pigment, 21.4 x 18.7 cm Georges leskowicz Collection © Fundacja Jerzego Leskowicza.  Photo 2

Utagawa hiroshige (1797 - 1858), the Forest near the Masaki Shrine on the banks of the Sumidagawa river (35th view) from the series one hundred Famous views of Edo, 1857. nishiki-e, 35,5 x 25,5 cm Georges leskowicz Collection © Christian Moutarde  Photo 3

Utagawa Kunisada (1786 - 1864), the popular type series physiognomy of thirty-two types in the Modern World, 1821-1822, nishiki-e, 38.2 x 27 cm Georges leskowicz Collection, © Christian Moutarde

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Utagawa toyohiro (1774-1830), New Fuji in spring, 1810-1829 signed toyohiro ga, shikishiban surimono, Nishiki-e, metallic pigment, 21.4 × 18.8 cm Georges leskowicz Collection, © Fundacja Jerzego Leskowicza.  Photos 5

Yashima Gakutei (1786-1868), Grues, de la série tsuru kame ni ban (Grues et tortues), 1820-1830 shikishiban surimono, nishiki-e, pigment métallique, 20,6 x 18,3 cm, Collection Georges leskowicz, © Fundacja Jerzego Leskowicza.

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Kitagawa Utamaro (1753 - 1806), Courtesan admiring cherry blossoms (triptych), 1801-1804, nishiki-e, 38,6 × 25 cm; 38,8 × 25,2; 38,2 × 25,2 cm Georges leskowicz Collection © Christian Moutarde

HOKUSAI, HIROSHIMA, UTAMARO…

the Great Masters of Japan the George leskowicz Collection at hôtel de Caumont By Sarah hYDE

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he Great Masters of Japan offers an escape from the everyday into a land so foreign and distant that it holds an almost fairy tale quality. This exhibition is pure delight with as much to offer both the relative newcomer to Japanese art as the seasoned connoisseur. The gem-like cherry woodblock prints, which are exhibited alongside domestic objects of the time, many of which are represented in the images, fill the top two floors of this delightful Hôtel Particulier.

The prints are just magical. They were produced during the Edo period, which is known to be from 1616-1868. At the time they were simply a stylised representation of the world that surrounded the artist, souvenirs and conversation pieces and were considerably less expensive than individual artworks.

Now, of course, they have the most precious quality of all, being one of the last fragile documentary links to the lost 'floating world'.

A place that now only exists within our imaginations and these images. Collector Georges Leskowicz has cleverly described the prints as images through which you can travel; and if you spend a few hours in the Hôtel de Caumont, absorbed in these works, you may well agree. To the more seasoned eye, the condition and quality of the prints are exceptional, they are so fresh they almost feel contemporary - which is remarkable when you realise that some of them are over 400 hundred years old. what is this 'floating world' that reaches out, seductively inviting us to take tea and drift gently in boats through lantern filled skies?

The idea comes from Confucian and Buddhist ideals: a celebration of the transitory nature of life, or put simply, to savour the moment. In reality, the ‘floating world' referred to the licensed brothel and theatre districts of the strategically situated castle town Eno, the future Tokyo and the heart of government.

Under shogun military rule, a system of alternative residence (sankin kōtai) was in force. This was created to prevent the provinces from having too much power, requiring the provincial Daimyo (Lord) having to live away from his land for half the year and reside at the centre of government. This centralisation of power and resource produced a rich culture of its own and stimulated literacy, theatre, poetry, the production of manuscripts and printmaking.

As this was a male-dominated society, supplying the lords’ needs while they were away from their family led to the creation of this “floating world” of licenced brothels and courtesans to meet those needs. Inevitably, this lovely floating world had a much darker side which is not reflected in these idealised images. Actors and courtesans from the 'floating world' became the style icons of their day and despite their low status in the strict social hierarchy of the time, their fashions were spread to the general population via these prints.

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Utamaro's portrayal of women is fascinating: in one image there is domestic intimacy, with transparent gauzy fabrics, and a glimpse of maternal tenderness. Gazing upon these images feels almost forbidden or voyeuristic. This representation contrasts starkly with the impenetrable public face of the courtesan. The stylised and artificial beauty of the women is hard to interpret (fans of cultural icon Diana Vreeland, will recognise the elements of Japanese beauty which Vreeland appropriated to her own style). It is almost impossible to discern who is the most naturally beautiful of these women; their beauty is asserted in their elegance, the value of their clothing and the perfection of their look. The inclusion of hairpins, make-up pots and mirrors reinforces the value and importance of this ritualised but entirely artificial public-facing beauty. when the prints arrived in France in the nineteenth century, they exerted a wondrous influence on Impressionist artists, becoming a vitally important part in the history of western Art. Another of the significant joys of this exhibition is making those links.

Utamaro's print of the Ryōgoku Bridge is so authentic in its depiction of the boats, it is almost possible to hear the bustle and outrage from passengers and onlookers, as two boats containing courtesans collide. The narrative in this one image is so strong, it is almost cinematic.

The curation is thematic and the exhibition follows the various preoccupations of the era, including nature, mythology, entertainment, theatre and of course, beautiful women. The great works by Hokusai are powerful and sensational, although perhaps not the most beautiful. A section is dedicated to the physical production of the prints, which is fascinating in itself. Perhaps unsurprisingly, there was no copyright at this time, instead, whoever had the woodblocks, which would produce up to around 5000 images before wearing out, had the right to reproduce the works. And as to be expected with the themes of the ‘floating world’, there is also a cordoned off erotic section which gives insight into the sexual fantasies of the moment. Until 22 March. 

HOTEL DU CAUMONT CENTRE D'ART 3 rue Joseph Cabassol 13100 aix-en-Provence www.caumont-centredart.com

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 Photo 1

Nan GolDIN, 1998, "Self-portrait, Baur at lake hotel, Zurich". Donation Yvon lambert to the French State / National Center for visual arts /deposit at the lambert Collection © D.R.  Photo 2

“la baie de Cannes” by pablo picasso, 1958. paris, Musée National picasso Rmn-Grand Palais (Musée national Picasso-Paris) / Mathieu Rabeau © Succession Picasso, 2019  Photo 3

Marc Chagall, polyphème, illustration for homer's book “l'odyssée”, volume 1, Fernand Mourlot publisher, paris, 19741975. Colour lithograph on Japanese pearly paper. ©association des amis du musée national Marc Chagall, Nice © ADAGP, Paris, 2019.  Photo 4

thE BUrNED trEES’ installation by philippe pastor © D.R.  Photo 5

lars Fredrikson in his studio © 1967-1968, courtesy of MAMAC

happy New year and welcome to the new roaring ’20s!

2020 is going to be one of the biggest years ever for art lovers and may perhaps enter legendary status. The main event, Manifesta 13, is already underway in Marseille under the direction of iCa director Stefan Kalimar and we look forward to learning more about it over the coming months.

t

his year will see the second edition of the St Paul-de-Vence Biennale take place, another event to look forward to. This summer at Fondation Maeght they will be opening the Giacometti Exhibition, highlighting the famous family of artists from the Swiss village of Stampa. Intriguingly, there are rumours of a Sean Scully show at a local

museum. with the major players of the global art world visiting the region and international galleries becoming ever more mindful of the influence of the Côte D’Azur, it feels like this year is going to be more action-packed than usual. Even in the quieter months there is still plenty to see and a real treat is on offer if you are prepared to drive to Avignon. Serious art lovers, your time will not be wasted at the Collection Lambert. The new exhibition, An Art of our Times! #2 brings together works focussed on minimal, conceptual and land art from the legendary collection of gallerist and art collector Yvon Lambert. There is a special focus on Robert Ryman, a monochrome minimalist and conceptual artist whose white, bare canvases will never seem more expressive than after you have visited the show! For those of you who like to stay current, you may want to note that Yvon Lambert introduced the photographs of controversial Sackler pharmaceutical protester and artist, Nan Goldin, to France and her works will also be on view. www.collectionlambert.com In Toulon, the art museum has reopened after extensive refurbishment and it looks terrific.

Fans of Picasso will be thrilled to know that the opening exhibition is Picasso and the Mediterranean Landscape. A wonderful opportunity to learn more about how Picasso perceived and painted our beautiful surroundings. Picasso often sublimated the shape of women's bodies and other forms into his landscapes. If you interested in his relationship with women, there are two recent publications which may be of interest: one is the republication of Françoise Gilot’s biography, “Life with Picasso” recounting the story of how the young artist got together with the temperamental Spanish genius; the other is “Picasso’s women: Fernande to Jacqueline”,

by Sir John Richardson with a memorial tribute to the celebrated biographer by Larry Gagosian. As Richardson so intelligently explained; Picasso’s portrayal of women changed, depending on which stage in his relationship he was at with his subject — and it was often easier to see the cracks in the relationship through the artist’s work than his behaviour. This was certainly the case with his first wife olga, although if Francois Gilot’s account is anything to go by, perhaps life was better alone.

Riviera Insider is very excited to be reading the new James Baldwin biography “Living in Fire”

by Bill V. Mullen. we are looking forward to understanding more about this great AfricanAmerican writer who lived and died in St Paul-de-Vence and sharing more about the current writers’ residences which has been established in his former home.

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In Nice, MAMAC’s Lars Frederikson exhibition sounds… curious. Frederikson was a local sound artist who worked at Villa Arson and is described as an inventor, tireless researcher and high-level handyman. The exhibition of this pioneer of sound art is the result of MAMAC's collaboration with the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco. It spreads across a network of collaborations with different partner institutions: the Atelier Expérimental in Clans, the Espace Rossetti in Nice, and the Villa Arson where workshops, shows and conferences around the practices of Frederikson will be held. www.mamac-nice.org At the Musée national Marc Chagall, is an exhibition exploring Chagall's work illustrating Greek mythology. “In the Land of the Gods.

Marc Chagall and the Greek world” includes a great opportunity see some of Chagall’s ceramics, sets and costumes for the Paris opera as well as a monumental mosaic for Nice's Faculty of Law. Until 27 April. www.musees-nationaux-alpesmaritimes.fr opening on Valentine's day at the Matisse Museum in Nice is “Métamorphoses” which is the first exhibition in France looking at Matisse's sculpture - over 120 sculptures, paintings, drawings and photographs to explore.

Until 3 May. www.musee-matisse-nice.org over In Monaco, the January Sales at Art Curial bring twinkly treats to the Hotel Hermitage and a exhibition by Philippe Pastor called “Is this world serious?” opens at Monaco Modern Art. It includes a powerful installation of 28 sculptures, “The Burned Trees” and monumental paintings denouncing the responsibility of Man towards the environment. It makes for uncomfortable viewing to be confronted by the endemic issue of forest fires and their cause and this is one of a series of works by this artist, who was also featured in the Monaco Pavilion of the Universal Exhibition in Milan. Until 28 February. www.monacomodernart.mc Rounding things up, until 15 March at Château la Coste, don’t miss “Confess” by American artist Trina Mckillen. Her controversial work is being shown in Europe for the first time and this exhibition will surely cause a lot of discussion and debate. The work in the installation and her research has taken over ten years to create. The subject matter is a highly sensitive exploration of the artists’ relationship with the Catholic Church, specifically the sexual abuse scandals. Until 15 March. www.chateau-la-coste.com

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to appear doll-like and his immaculate standards are the stuff of legends.

Guy Bourdin's creative relationship with Charles Jourdan shoes provided one of his greatest opportunities to develop as an artist. The shoes themselves were the footwear of choice for haute bourgeois ladies and hardly racy, but with Bourdin's photography and expensive campaigns, the brand made a stratospheric entry into the glossy international world of high fashion, taking respectable housewives with them. They arrived there - in their imaginations at least - on the back on Guy Bourdin's fetishized sexy narrative. with hindsight it's actually quite hard to imagine the conversation between the photographer and the creative director and exactly how Bourdin got away with some of his ideas; we can only assume that they got on rather well and Bourdin was given free rein. The resulting iconic work will immortalise both the artist and the company way beyond their lifetimes.

The walking Legs series, created as the campaign in 1979, the year that Margaret Thatcher was elected as the Uk Prime Minister, is a classic example of Bourdin's work. The photographer packed up his wife and small son in his Cadillac, along with pairs of mannequin legs and the complete new season of Charles Jourdan shoes and took the ferry to England. God only knows what he said to the customs officers when they opened his boot. The family then travelled from London to Brighton, with Bourdin shooting out of doors in unusual places and searching out intriguing backgrounds for his surreal narrative. Curiously contrasting the punk spirit of the moment, which actually infuses these images of perfect plastic legs and shiny bourgeois shoes — was the message that these shoes can take you anywhere — even into a disused dockyard. Find out for yourself at the Musée de la Photographie Charles Nègre, until January 26. 

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ZOOM: Guy bourdin exhibition of France’s legendary fashion photographer

Photo 1

Walking legs series, Charles Jourdan, 1979 © The Guy Bourdin Estate 2019, Courtesy Art and Commerce

Photo 2 From the Charles Jourdan shoes campaign. vogue paris, May 1970. © The Guy Bourdin Estate 2019, Courtesy Art and Commerce

Photo 3

By the 1980’s Bourdin was one of France’s top fashion photographers for his bold compositions. vogue paris, May 1970. © The Guy Bourdin Estate 2019, Courtesy Art and Commerce

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he quality of curation at the Musée de la Photographie Charles Nègre is always exceptional and those who like the work of influential photographer Guy Bourdin will love this show ZooM. It specifically explores the photographer's fascination with highly detailed graphic compositions and use of naturally occurring, found backgrounds. By referring to Bourdin's formative works we can see how this theme flows through his entire oeuvre and this is a huge opportunity to learn more about Bourdin's peculiar mind. It is a great show which may well inspire amateur photographers to go out and find places to take photographs.

Guy Bourdin was born in Paris in 1928, and legend has it that at aged 22, Bourdin knocked on Man Ray's front door six times, each time he was turned away by the surrealist artist’s wife, Juliet. on the seventh occasion, the artist opened the door and invited him in - and thank goodness he did. A friendship developed and Man Ray wrote the introduction to the catalogue of Bourdin's first show a year later, and so began Bourdin’s long and successful career in photography.

Bourdin worked as a commercial fashion photographer, producing immaculately staged and glossy images for magazines, in particular, Vogue. Now considered to be one of the great French photographers, the commercial aspect of his work could be considered as the vehicle of his art. Bourdin is celebrated for the flawless nature of his work, his unique vision and uncanny creativity with clever use of colour, he excelled in creating tension through colour in his shots - although he was also very capable in black and white. In short, he was very good. He loved to create an entire narrative within a single shot, pushing the imagination of the spectator to its furthest reaches. working in an age before digital photography and retouching, his models had

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1 place pierre Gautier, 06300 Nice www.museephotographie.nice.fr

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this Changes everything the new documentary challenging hollywood

F

eaturing a strong, eclectic and impressively starpacked roster of women working both in front of and behind the camera, “This Changes Everything” (released 8 January in France) offers up a quick-fire history lesson about how, for generations, sexism and prejudice in the entertainment industry has shut out and silenced filmmakers who weren't straight, white men.

Better yet, it also explains how women are now pushing back and using the law, media pressure and other forms of recourse to change the status quo. It's a story eminently worth telling, especially for the benefit of younger generations, whose first exposure to feminism may have started with buying a ticket to “wonder woman” in 2017. Produced in close collaboration with actressturned-advocate Geena Davis, “This Changes Everything” is a clear message to the entertainment industry itself and echoes what the ‘Time’s Up’ movement has been saying since the Harvey weinstein scandal broke: it’s time not only to end the abuse of power, but also time to share what power there is equally between the genders. Last year, only 11 women of color had lead roles in films and only one female filmmaker, kathryn Bigelow, has ever won an oscar for Best Director (The Hurt Locker, 2008). Not to mention, 92% of directors of 2018’s top-grossing US releases were male, even though 2017’s top 100 films with female leads made 38% more money. If anything, this film goes a long way to explain why this important subject is still being treated as a “minority” issue, when women make up more than 50% of the population.

alexa BoUHELIERRUELLE

Thumbs up one of the film’s strengths is its opening, discussing how important it is to see women onscreen in a nuanced, realistic way and how what you see as a child influences your perception of what you can become. This can be seen in the so-called “CSI Effect” where the simple fact of actress Marg Helgenberger starring as a forensic investigator led to gender parity in that field. Indeed, “wonder woman's” director, Patty Jenkins, says we need to offer little girls — and boys — a chance to see that women can be heroes, protagonists, and lead figures in the stories we tell. But in order to achieve such diverse representation, battles must be fought, executives persuaded, and most of all, women hired to write, direct, produce and advocate for such stories in the first place.

Thumbs down “This Changes Everything” has a choppy, frenetic approach to editing which makes for an uneven rhetorical texture. Sometimes it feels like a dispro-

portionate amount of attention is applied to legal cases and internecine Director’s Guild politics, leaving only a scant amount of time for a cursory history of women filmmakers from the silent era onward.

Additionally, the musical score

by Leigh Roberts and Allison Piccioni, is too prominent and overwhelmingly reminiscent of old-school TV documentaries, underscoring every emotion with obvious musical cues.

Will anything change?

If “This Changes Everything” is short-sighted about anything, it’s in the false (or at least incomplete) assumption that hiring more female directors will immediately change the content that studios produce — not because they can’t, but because sexism runs deep into the very foundations of Hollywood storytelling. It’s not enough for a woman writer to do a pass on a male-centric script. By creating better roles for women onscreen from the ground up, we create them for women in society as well. Geena Davis

argues that if the few female characters we do see are marginalized — or worse, sexualized — it sends a clear message to audiences about what is expected of women in society. And if white men have a nearmonopoly on access to the mechanisms for making (or reviewing) films, then the world needs not only more female voices steadfast enough to fight their way into a chauvinistic system, but more Tom Donahues (the director) to help ensure that they’re heard.

By the end, it feels like “This Changes Everything” is a bit behind the curve of history. The title itself refers to the many false dawns of hope, for example, after the surprise success of “Thelma & Louise” in 1991, which observers took to augur impending change. And yet the last 10 minutes of the film seems to dispense exactly the same kind of this-time-willbe-different optimism. Please forgive a young women’s skepticism if I say I think I've read about this one before and know how it ends. 

With a life-long passion for film and a master’s degree in journalism from the Sorbonne, alexa joins Riviera Insider as our new film critic. She splits her time between the Côte d’azur and Paris, attending advanced screenings to keep us up on films we just can’t miss.

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a culTureD winter

what?

“Dance N’Speak Easy” Choreographed by Njagui Hagbé and staged by Philippe Lafeuille, “Dance N’Speak Easy” is an unexpected play by the wanted Posse Company that mixes humor and detailed scenography. From dance moves of the 1920/30s to house music, Charleston, hiphop, Jitterbug and breakdance, the audience will discover a reinvented Prohibition America with original artistic choices.

when?

11 January - 8.30 pm

Palais des Festivals Cannes what?

Cyrano De Bergerac This new adaptation of Edmond Rostand’s masterpiece will relentlessly throw duel scenes at the audience while legendary lines are delivered with ‘panache’. Jean-Philippe Daguerre staged the play in a modern setting, along an original violin score created by Rostand himself.

when?

what?

Cirque Les 7 doigts de la main “Passagers“ You liked them in “Cuisine & Confessions” in February 2016, you’ll love them with this new creation. Acrobatics, stunts and dance techniques for this ‘family’ to live in different ways: that is the main theme of this new production from the Quebec company. A performance reminiscent of a thrilling road-trip as well as an intimate introspection.

when?

15 + 16 February 8.30 pm / 4 pm

25 January - 8.30 pm

where?

Théâtre Debussy - Palais des Festivals

where?

Théâtre Croisette – Hotel Jw Marriot

where?

Théâtre Debussy – Palais des Festivals

www.palaisdesfestivals.com perform Mozart’s “Jeunhomme” concerto and two of his own Jazz pieces.

when?

9 February - 4.30 pm

where?

Théâtre Debussy – Cannes

what?

Baptiste trotignon © Helene Pambrun

what?

Win TickeTs! Enter to win a pair of tickets to see the Cannes orchestra perform Piano Series V Poulenc on 20 March at 8.30 pm. open to subscribers.

To enter, send an email titled ‘orchestra tickets’ to: secretariat@rivierapress.fr

“Voyage Baroque” The Couperin family was most famous for their various musical creations in the Baroque era. Among them, Francois Couperin was the most famous of them all, but today everyone remembers the name of his uncle: Louis Couperin, who created a wild and fantastical musical world.

However, they will play “Pièces pour clavecin”, Francois’ masterpiece.

when?

21 January - 7 pm

www.orchestre-cannes.com

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Orchestre de Cannes where?

MJC Picaud – Cannes

what?

Piano Series III – Mozart when one think about Mozart, the first thing that comes to mind is his Requiem, his symphonies… But his talent for improvisation is rarely mentioned.

Improvisation requires a perfect knowledge of classical rhythm’s; the same goes for Jazz. Baptiste Trotignon will

Sibra, I Love You This year’s Valentine’s Day will be filled with Balkans’ traditional music and its expressive melodies. Sirba octet was founded in 2003 by violinist Richard Schmoucler. Then he invited Cyrille Lehn, Yann ollivo and five of his friends from Paris orchestra and the orchestre National de France to play together in the Sirba octet. Together they perform Slavic and Yiddish music recalling its founder’s youth.

when?

14 February - 8.30 pm

where?

Théâtre Croisette - Hôtel Jw Marriott Cannes

riviera

what?

Concert with Nicolas Bringuier Pianist Nicolas Bringuier will exquisitely perform Johannes Brahms first piano concerto, as well as Modeste Moussorgski and Maurice Ravel pieces, all directed by Lionel Bringuier.

when?

26 January – 3 pm

where? opéra Nice Côte d’Azur

what?

Quatre Saisons pour un Tango Nice’s Philharmonic orchestra and Violinist Vera Novakova will perform musical pieces from Antonio Vivaldi, Astor Piazolla and konstantin Boyarski.

An original creation by Frédéric Chaudière, will stage four dancers from contemporary to Tango. At the end of the concert the audience is welcome to jump on stage and dance along.

Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur where? opéra Nice Côte d’Azur

what?

Pas de Deux & Co. Ballet Nice Mediterranée is highlighting one of the most sought after roles in a ballet: the pas de deux, when a couple performs together, symbolizing their love in a poetic atmosphere. This time around on the stage of the Conservatoire de Nice, the audience will witness the evolution of the famous pas de deux.

when?

6 February – 8 pm

where?

Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Nice

La Bohème – Giacomo Puccini Fourth opera written by Giacomo Puccini and corner stone of the Italian repertoire, La Bohème is a very special experience. The opera’s success is linked with its simplicity and the efficiency of the music.

what?

Patricia Racette Recital ‘Diva on Detour’ Patricia Racette symbolizes legendary Broadway of the 1950s with her famous roles in Madame Butterfly, Tosca and Peter Grimes. She will perform her recital “Diva on Detour” composed of songs by Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Edith Piaf

when?

27 February – 8 pm

when?

24, 26, 29, 31 January – 8 pm (gala), 3pm, 8 pm and 8pm

where?

where?

Salle Garnier – opéra de Monte Carlo

grimaldi Forum when?

6 and 7 March – 8.30 pm

where?

www.grimaldiforum.com

what? ”Dancing in your head(s) – La Galaxie ornette” Pianist and composer Andrien Brandeis will perform his first album “Euforia”. Followed by the orchestre National de Jazz and Frédéric Maurin paying tribute to major jazz figure ornette Coleman.

when?

24 January - 8.30 pm

what?

www.opera-nice.org

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Salle des Princes

Scène 55, Mougins

31 January & February 1st 8 pm and 4 pm

what?

Tango Fire Authentic tango show for all tango lovers! Directed by international superstar German Cornejo, the most famous tango dancers and musicians come together to perform sublime Argentinian tango with music from Piazolla, Pugliese and Gardel.

where?

when?

Opéra de Monte-Carlo

what?

ART & CULTURE

Scène 55 of idealism, but he’s afraid of everything. He meets Jo who knows how to fight, to steal car and flirt with women, but most importantly he isn’t afraid of anything. This is their journey.

when?

4th February - 8.30 pm

where?

Scène 55, Mougins

what?

Trio Sora winners at the HSBC Festival d’Aix, Pauline Chenais, Clémentine de Forceville and Angèle Legasa are all three young promising artists developing their music at the Académie du Festival d’Aix-en-Provence. They will perform both Mendelssohn’s first trio as well as Beethoven’s second trio.

Sysyphe Heureux – Compagnie 49.47 Choreograph, Francois Veyrunes ends his trilogy about Greek tragedy heroes with “Sysyphe Heureux”, performed by six dancers. All play in turn Achilles and Antigone, between the floor where they stand and the air where they play.

when?

when?

16 January - 8.30 pm

7th February - 8.30 pm

where?

where?

Scène 55, Mougins

Scène 55, Mougins

what?

L’Amérique – Compagnie Bonqu’à-ça In this play which won the “Molière du meilleur auteur”, Bernard is a medical student in Brussels with a strong sense

Salle Garnier – opéra de Monte Carlo

www.grimaldiforum.com

scene55.fr

trio Sora © Astrid di Crollalanza

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EVENTS

26 JANUARY

16 FEBRUARY

CANNES "Break The floor inTernaTional" 14th hip-hop talent show.

Spectacular choreography, shows full of positive energy. For the whole family. 4pm, Palais des Festivals - Grand Auditorium. cannes-destination.fr

CANNES classical music meeTs Jazz The Cannes Philharmonic orchestra plays music by wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Nepomuk Hummel & Baptiste Trotignon.

4.30 pm, Debussy Theatre.

EVENTS

4 JANUARY

(& EVERY FoLLowING SATURDAY) SAINT-PAUL-DE-VENCE ciTY Tour "Art & Heritage" - one-hour guided tour of the village with Sonja and Guillaume. 2 pm in French, 3.30 pm in English. Meeting point: Tourist office, 2 Rue Grande. Reservation recommended: 04 93 32 86 95. saint-pauldevence.com

6 JANUARY NICE classical concerT The Philharmonic orchestra of Nice plays Robert Schumann & Franz Schubert. 8pm, National Museum Marc Chagall. opera-nice.org

11 JANUARY + 8 FEBRUARY + 7 MARCH CAP FERRAT "soirées musicales" The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild hosts musical evenings with candlelight dinner and a tour of the illuminated garden - just as in the days of Baroness Rothschild's winter guests. January: "orpheus I am", February: "Aux rythmes de l'Amérique Latine", March: "Les fleurs de Carmen". 6.30 pm.

Booking: +33 (0)4 93 76 44 08 villa-ephrussi.com

18 JANUARY CANNES-LA BoCCA classical music for chilDren The role of the conductor vividly explained for young and old by the Cannes Regional orchestra: Beethoven's Symphony N°4.

8 pm, La Licorne theatre. orchestre-cannes.com

19, 20 JANUARY + 2, 9, 10 FEBRUARY ANTIBES-JUAN-LES-PINS "lunDis Du conservaToire" The professors of the Conservatory of Music and Art will provide insights into their musical skills. A concert series of a very special kind. details: antibes-juanlespins.com

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26 JANUARY CANNES "cannes urBan Trail" Popular run through Cannes - 1 kilometre ("kids Urban Trail") for children from 7 to 11 years, 9 kilometres ("Cannes Découverte Run") for everyone, 15 kilometres ("Le petit Cannois") for the welltrained and 25 kilometres ("Le grand Cannois") for the professionals. cannesurbantrail.com

28 + 29 JANUARY NICE ice shoW for chilDren "Disney on Ice - The Eternal Magic."

Tuesday 8pm, wednesday 2pm and 5.30pm, Palais Nikaïa. nikaia.fr

orchestre-cannes.com

21 - 23 FEBRUARY CANNES "fesTival Des Jeux" For two days, the Croisette will focus on the game in all its variations. 10 am - 7 pm, Palais des Festivals festivaldesjeux-cannes.com

1ST MARCH GoLFE-JUAN The lanDing of naPoleon Every year, the landing of Napoleon at the beach of Golfe-Juan is elaborately reenacted. Lectures, exhibitions and other events on the subject are held throughout the town. vallauris-golfe-juan.fr

6 FEBRUARY

EXHIBITIoNS

NICE BalleT "Pas de deux & Co." performed by the Nice Mediterranean Ballet Company. 8pm, Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional. opera-nice.org

UNTIL 3 FEBRUARY

6 + 8 FEBRUARY ANTIBES "cosi fan TuTTe" The Nice Philharmonic orchestra plays the opera by wolfgang Amadeus Mozart under the direction of Roland Boer.

8 pm, Anthéa Antipolis Theatre. anthea-antibes.fr

15 + 16 FEBRUARY CANNES circus The famous ensemble "Les 7 doigts de la main" from Quebec invites you to a spectacular dance show.

8:30 pm, Debussy Theatre. palaisdesfestivals.com

NICE "le cercle enchanTé" The works from the private collection of Doctor Alain Frère illustrate the fabulous history of the circus from its creation in the 18th century to the present day.

Masséna Museum. open every day except tuesdays from 11 to 6 pm. nice.fr

UNTIL 15 FEBRUARY SAINT-PAUL-DE-VENCE "Déclics analogiques" The interplay of photography and fine arts. Gallery Catherine Issert.

Tuesday to Saturday, 10 to 1 pm + 3 to 7 pm. gallery-issert.com

UNTIL 16 FEBRUARY MARSEILLE "lucien Jaques, le sourcier De giono" Engravers, poets, painters and publishers: exhibition of works by multi-talented Lucien Jaques, who became famous as the discoverer

of Jean Giono. Musée Regards de Provence, Allée Regards de Provence. open every day except Monday from 10 to 6 pm.

www.museeregardsdeproven ce.com

UNTIL 23 FEBRUARY ToULoN "Picasso eT le PaYsage méDiTerranéen" Landscapes by Pablo Picasso, works on loan from important public and private collections.

Musée d'Art de Toulon. Tuesday to Sunday from 12 to 6 pm. toulon.fr

UNTIL 23 FEBRUARY MARSEILLE "Par hasarD" Exhibition in 2 parts: in the center of the old Charité (Vol.1) and in the Friche (Vol.2). Unites the works of 120 artists. La Friche la Belle de Mai. wednesday to Friday from 2 to 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 7 pm. lafriche.org

UNTIL 1 MARCH MARSEILLE "kharmohra l'aghanisTan au risque De l'arT" Artistic creation in Afghanistan, a wounded country where all cultural practices have been almost silenced. MuCEM, Fort Saint-Jean, Bâtiment Georges Henri Rivière. Daily 11 to 6 pm. mucem.org

UNTIL 2 MARCH BIoT "fernanD léger & The PorTraiT" Diverse drawing techniques of the artist. Musée national Fernand Léger, 255 Chemin du Val de Pôme. open every day except tuesdays from 10 to 5 pm. musees-nationauxalpesmaritimes.fr

UNTIL 8 MARCH SAINT-PAUL-DE-VENCE "ra'anan levY - l'éPreuve Du miroir" works by the French-Israeli artist, who counts the escape from time as one of his favourite themes.

Fondation Maeght. Daily except Mondays from 10 to 6 pm. fondation-maeght.com

EVENTS

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UNTIL 22 MARCH

20 - 26 JANUARY

7TH FEBRUARY

NICE "lars freDrikson" MAMAC, in collaboration with the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco, is designing the first major retrospective of Lars Fredrikson. The work of the pioneer, who died in 1997, has been rediscovered and re-read in recent years. Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain. open daily except Mondays from 11 to 6 pm. mamac-nice.org

monTe carlo rallY The 88th edition of the rally opens the International world Rally Championship. The start will be in Gap, 311 kilometres away, and the finale will take place in the Principality. acm.mc

chariTY chariTY concerT In support of the aid organisation Arche, organised by Amadarche.

8:30 pm, Theatre des Variétés.

UNTIL APRIL 27 NICE "sur la Terre Des Dieux. marc chagall eT le monDe grec" Fascinated by Greek myths and texts, Marc Chagall produced illustrated books, paintings, ceramics and monumental mosaic works. Musée national Marc Chagall. open every day except Tuesdays from 10 to 5 pm. musee-chagall.fr

monaco EVENTS

UNTIL 1 MARCH ice skaTing open-air ice rink at the harbour (Port Hercule).

JANUARY 7TH concerT The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic orchestra plays for musical fans: The Goldberg Trio with violin, viola and cello. 6.30 pm, Rainier III Auditorium. opmc.mc

8 - 12 JANUARY sailing regaTTa Monaco optimist Team Race, organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco Bay of Monaco. yacht club-monaco.mc

16 - 26 JANUARY 44Th inTernaTional circus fesTival Under the presidency of Princess Stéphanie, this circus event is the most prestigious of its kind. Top artists from all over the world compete for the Golden Clown. In the chapeau in Monaco-Fontvieille. montecarlofestival.mc

24 JANUARY Jazz concerT The students of the Rainer III Academy play jazz and the best music of today at the Théâtre des Variétés. 8 pm, free admission. mairie.mc

24 + 26 + 29 + 31 JANUARY oPera "La Bohème" by Giacomo Puccini is on the program. In co-production with the Royal opera House Muscat of oman, conducted by Daniele Callegari. 8 pm (except on 26, 3 pm), opera Monte-Carlo. opera.mc

26 + 27 JANUARY "sainTe-DévoTe" Various celebrations on the occasion of Saint Devote, patron saint of the Principality. Mass, procession, burning of the symbolic barque in the square of the church of Sainte-Dévote, fireworks. saintedevotemonaco.com

29 JANUARY - 1 FEBRUARY rallY monTe-carlo classic 4th edition of the race. acm.mc

FEBRUARY 8TH oPen house Ecole Supérieure d'Arts Plastiques for future students, art enthusiasts and all those interested. 10am6pm, Pavilion Bosio. pavilionbosio.com

FEBRUARY 14TH "The granD Ball of Princes anD Princesses" It's like a fairy tale: Gala dinner with a fantastic show and dance for Valentine's Day. Seven o'clock, Hôtel de Paris. noblemontecarlo.mc

15 + 16 FEBRUARY monaco run 5-kilometer folk run together with European and world champions on Sunday. The day before: 1000meter run. fma.mc

21 + 23 + 25 FEBRUARY oPera "Street Scene" by kurt weill, conducted by Laurence Foster and accompanied by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic orchestra 8 pm (except on 23rd, 3 pm), opera Monte-Carlo. opera.mc

1ST MARCH

rallY monTe-carlo hisTorique 23rd edition of the rally with historic vehicles. acm.mc

classical concerT "De Goethe à Baudelaire": MarieNicole Lemieux (vocals), Daniel Blumenthal (piano) and the MonteCarlo Philharmonic orchestra perform works by Robert Schumann, Franz Schubert, Ludwig van Beethoven, Claude Debussy and many more. 3 pm, opera of Monte-Carlo. opmc.mc

6 - 9 FEBRUARY

6 - 7 MARCH

musical "Amour, Swing & Beauté", musical journey under the direction of Annabelle Sodi-Thibault. 20.30 each, except Sunday: 2.30 pm and 5 pm.

Théâtre des Muses. letheatredesmuses.com

Tango shoW The international tango star German Cornejo brings together with Argentinean dancers an unforgettable show to the stage.

8.30 pm, Grimaldi Forum. grimaldiforum.com

29 JANUARY - 5 FEBRUARY

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UNTIL 28 FEBRUARY "esT-ce que ce monDe esT sérieux" In a world increasingly shaped by man-made natural disasters, Philippe Pastor questions the destructive power of man. Gallery Monaco Modern'Art, 27 Avenue Princesse Grace. open from M - F 11 to 18 hrs. monacomodernart.mc

7 FEBRUARY - 21 MAY "variaTionsun regarD sur les Décors lumineux D'eugène freY" The exhibition is dedicated to light decoration, a scenographic technique that developed out of shadow theatre around 1900 and perfected in the Monte Carlo opera in the 1930s. New National Museum of Monaco, Villa Paloma. open every day from 10 to 6 pm. nmnm.mc

iTalY EVENTS

6 JANUARY FINALE LIGURE "cimenTo Della Befana" New Year bathing on the beach Spiaggia dei Neri. www.comunefinaleligure.it

26 JANUARY NICE DIANo CALDERINA "BeneDizione Dell'arca Di noè" Traditional blessing of the animals, Chiesa di San Giacomo, 3.30 pm. www.comune.dianomarina.im.it

2 FEBRUARY NICE FINALE LIGURE VARIGoTTI "le PianTe aromaTiche" walk in the footsteps of aromatic Ligurian plants. Final Natura Landscape & Archeotrekking.

Reservation: +39 3392093889

4 - 8 FEBRUARY sanremo "Festival della canzone Italiana" 69th Festival of Italian pop music that keeps the whole nation on its toes and heralds springtime on the Riviera. Teatro Ariston. www.rai.it

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2020 rolex Monte-Carlo Masters Get your tickets!

he date for the upcoming Rolex Monte-Carlo Tennis Masters in Monaco has been fixed for a while now and the advance sale of tickets has also been open a few weeks.

If you want to be there between 11 and 19 April, when the world's best tennis players compete for the title at one of the most spectacular tournaments, don't wait any longer! Tickets start at only 22 euros.

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Fognini vainqueur © Realis.com

Every year, the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, on the famous red clay of the Monte-Carlo Country Club, opens the top-class ATP Masters 1000 series in Europe. The entire tennis season kicks off right here in Monaco with the world's best players, including - if he stays fit - record winner Rafael Nadal.

In addition to the Formula 1 race in May, the Rolex Masters is one of the most important sporting events of the year on the Côte d'Azur.

Last April, Italian Fabio Fognini put an end to the more than ten-year winning streak of Spaniard Nadal with his final triumph over Serbian Dusan Lajovic. Tournament Director Zeljko Franulovic recalled at a press conference in Milan that the new generation of men had proved themselves impressively at the last edition of the tournament. "I am thinking especially of the Canadian Felix Augier-Aliassime, only 18 years old, the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas and the Russian semifinalist Daniil Medvedev, who beat the world number one Novak Djokovic.

The 114th edition of the tournament promises to be an exciting one: Can the established players once again assert themselves against the newcomers?  www.rolexmontecarlomasters.mc

FiM World Champion awards Monaco welcomed the biggest names in motorcycle sports he 2019 Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) world Champions Awards were held at Sporting Club Monte-Carlo on the first of December. A red carpet, almost 600 guests and representatives of all motorcycle sports disciplines were in attendance. In addition to world champions, FIM President Jorge Viegas also paid tribute to the work of individual organisations and those working behind the scenes behind the scenes.

Founded in 1904 in Paris, FIM has changed and evolved over the years to be a fully international motorcycling federation. The have several commissions, covering Road Racing, Motocross, Trial, Enduro, Cross-Country Rallies, Track Racing, Technical, women in Motorcycling, Leisure Motorcycling, Public Affairs, Environment, Medical and Judicial.

The FIM awards a big deal in the motorcycle sports arena. Riders from all disciplines were

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© Goodshoot

invited to the stage, including five-time FIM Superbike world Champion Jonathan Rea, sixtime FIM women’s TrialGP world Champion Emma Bristow and newly crowned FIM women’s Motocross world Champion Courtney Duncan from New Zealand. Many of the winners told stories of a season-long battle that required both dedication and determination to eventually reach their ultimate goal.

Throughout the ceremony, the long list of prizes and awards were presented by numerous motorcycling legends, including Max Biaggi, Joël Robert, Juha Salminen, Carmelo Ezpeleta, Rob Rasor and Guy Maitre.

The youngest two riders in attendance were fifteen-year-old Jesper knudsen from Denmark, claiming the FIM Speedway Youth world

Championship and Italy’s fourteen-year-old Valerio Lata who secured the FIM 85cc Junior Motocross world Championship. Alex Marquez accepted the FIM Moto2 Grand Prix prize for his brother Marc who was absent due to surgery. Luc Ackerman won the title of the FIM FreeStyle Motocross world Championship.

The FIM Environmental Award was won by Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya and the FIM Road Safety Award went to Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program – Australasia. The highly competitive FIM women in Motorcycling Award, which received eight nominations, went to MissBiker – Italy. Finally, the FIM Award for the Future was won by Hobby Sport, Primi Passi FMI – Italy.  Congratulations to the winners!

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2019 Monaco yacht show: Cautiousoptimism

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espite the fact that the industry was doing better in previous years, the participants at one of the world's most important trade fairs for luxury yachts tended to be optimistic: an impressive fleet of super yachts, with 600 exhibitors; but above all, there were more companies than ever before, welcomed the 29th edition of the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) to the Principality at the end of September. The market was promising and more environmentally conscious than ever, according to the tenor after four intensive days at the show, and the increased number of private visitors was also well received.

It is noticeable that potential buyers are on average younger than before and come from a wider range of countries, but primarily from the USA, Russia, England, China and India. Instead of purchasing a yacht, chartering is gaining in importance.

Prizes at the 26th Monaco Yacht Show Superyacht Awards went to three superyachts - Attila (64m, Sanlorenzo) for her design and TIS ( 111-metre yacht of the German shipyard LĂźrssen) for the interior. The Excellence (80m, Abeking & Rasmussen) yacht received two awards: the MYS Exterior Design Award and the most important award of the event, "MYS Finest New Superyacht".

The 30th edition of the Monaco Yacht Show will take place from 23 to 26 September, 2020. www.monacoyachtshow.com

THE 29TH MYS IN NUMBERS 125 Superyachts 4 billion euro total value (estimate) 44 Novelties 14 megayachts with a length of more than 70 metres 2 yachts with more than 100 metres of length 49.5 metres average length 37.8 million Euro average price 600 Exhibitors

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exhibitor spotlight Overfinch exTreme cusTomisaTion

Preciosa innovaTing lighT Preciosa Lighting had an incredibly successful MYS. For 2019, they introduced Pearl Drop, a popular signature design made especially for yachts. Innovative, modular and interactive, the chandelier shaped like a string of pearls wowed visitors as they turned on and off “with their energy” by holding a single orb in their hands.

“Pearl Drop creates an intimate, poetic moment in interiors with the taking of the pearl and the sharing of your energy; it adds light and spirit to the space,” said Michael Vasku, Creative Director for Preciosa Lighting.

“The light treats the pearl as something precious, and it shows the artistic way in which we understand light and our technical abilities.” The innovative company comes from a centuries-long tradition of master glass makers from the Crystal Valley in the Czech Republic.

Their contemporary maritime division creates innovative designs and technology for yacht interiors.

For the fourth year running, Preciosa produced the official MYS trophies, designed by Lukáš Uliarczyk. A highlight of the show was when TIS won the Interior Design Award. Preciosa created the lighting for the yacht, with ten chandeliers and 12 wall sconces crafted from hand-blown Bohemian crystal in a floral theme that ran throughout the ship. ●

Multiply the price of a Range or Land Rover tenfold? This is the speciality of the British tuning company overfinch, who transforms ordinary production vehicles into luxury collector's items. For example, the entire interior is re-covered with soft, supple leather, the rims are pimped out, the paint is matt - small intricate features transform the vehicle from the grille to the mirror-finish chrome exhaust pipe. one thing an overfinch customer can count on is a truly unique vehicle. "we have customers all over the world, many of them have one of the cars here in Monaco, the same again in the USA and one in England," says CEo kevin Sloane, who sought his fortune at the MYS for the first time this year. In addition to customers from New York, Florida or California, he also works a lot with a clientele from the Middle East.

"They're all looking for a car that doesn't come off the assembly line." ●

Engel & Völkers The neW YachTing Division only a few years into the launch of their yachting division, Engel & Völkers has been a long time fixture on the Cote d’Azur real estate market. To celebrate the opening of their first office in Monaco, right in Port Hercule, they held a press conference aboard the Meteor, a 46 m yacht for sale in their growing portfolio. Riviera Insider was invited onboard, along with several other international journalists to meet with CEo of Engel & Völkers, Sven odia and CEo of their Yachting Division, Anissa Mediouni. After 40 years as international brokers, E&V sees themselves as visionaries in the luxury property world. Anissa Mediouni mapped that across to how they approach the yachting industry by pointing out that they are the first brokerage firm with a network outside the traditional industry. She believes this will bring a different perspective, saying: “The world of yachting is unique: ultimate luxury, freedom, privacy & access to remote destinations better than any 5-star hotel.” ●

oNLY wATCH THE MOST EXPENSIVE WATCH IN THE WORLD

patek philippe’s Grandmaster Chime was created just for only Watch and the only version ever produced in stainless steel. © D.R.

JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

Just under 29 million euros for a watch. it’s quite a record to set but since it is for charity, it is a wonderful record set by the "Only Watch" charity auction. Organised every two years as part of the Monaco Yacht Show, the auction features 50 unique watches from world-renowned manufacturers with proceeds going to research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. in total, the Monegasque Muscular Dystrophy Association (aMM) collected more than 35 million euros.

The record sum of 31 million Swiss francs was donated by a watch made by Patek Philippe, making it officially the most expensive watch in the world.

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the riviera Press stand : the place to be ! what would the Monaco Yacht Show be without the stand of RivieraZeit and Riviera Insider? The visits from our subscribers and partners is always one of the highlights of this unique fair. As our long-time Swiss reader Adam said: "we wouldn't have left without finding you"! with sparkling champagne from the Porgeon et Fils brand in Cormicy and a cool rosé from the Château de l'Aumérade winery in Pierrefeu-du-Var, we had wonderful conversations and made interesting contacts. A reunion was promised at the next Monaco Yacht Show from 23 to 26 September 2020.

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(1) Honorary Chancellor and Austrian Consulate General in Monaco kathrin weihnacht (2) Frédérique Combes (M.), BNP Paribas Immobilier, flanked by RZ & RI founder Petra Hall, Steven Urquhart, EFG Asset Management, and his wife and Dominique Freulon of Riviera Press (from left) (3) Co-president of the German Internation Club of Monaco, Beatrix Freifrau von Dellingshausen (r.), with RZ & RI founder Petra Hall (4) Riviera Business Club President George kasiliyake (r.), RI Editor-in-Chief Nicole Ruskell (c.) and Ruth Foster (5) Dr. werner Hütter and his wife waltraud from Innsbruck/Tyrol (6) Vice President of the American Club Judy Nash with husband, Jonathan.

(7) our partners Sven Schulten and wife. Their mattress cleaning system provides relaxing sleeping comfort. (8) Christophe Lagier (l.) from our wine sponsor Domaine & Château Fabre (Château de l'Aumérade) and friend (9) Attorney Henning Schwarzkopf came by for a glass of champagne (10) Sabine Holz-Strautmann, Vice President of the German International Club of Monaco (right), with friend (11) Valentina Botta, Communications Director for the Albenga Airport and Petra Hall (12) Magali Jacquet-Lagreze, CFM Indosuez wealth, and Petra Hall (13) Rémy Grenet and Alexandre Cordier, sommeliers in Monaco, and distribute Biodynamic wines with their company Subtil. (14) Charles Barber in his guild clothes always attracts attention at the MYS - also at the Riviera Press booth!

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riviera Press Out and about as always, the riviera Press team are constantly out and covering what fills these pages. The past few months have been a whirlwind and it seems like we went everywhere! But you know it’s too much when your colleagues say, “T’es partout!” Here are some highlights…

happy th anksgiving !

Judy Nas h, of the am vice president erican Clu the rivie b of ra Jonathan (l), her husband Nicole rusNash (c) and annual am kell (r) at the thanksgi erican Club vi the herm ng luncheon at itage hot el.

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world with h skell t, Sir anis u r Nicole ned artis turum u w F reno r at the co. o Kapo s in Mona d awar

at the ée ruskell oir Nicole vibrations s s Canne alm Beach in p at the . s Canne

Nicole ruskell, Janine Maisonseul and journalist radia amar at the hostellerie Bérard cooking class in la Cadière azur.

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e, of ‘Nic e uration Innaug s lumières, thval at ti e Baie d lantern fes e Chines oenix. parc ph

have Riviera Insider delivered suBscriPTion name

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Bank transfer & direct debit information: Caisse d’epargne Côte d’azur iBan: fr76 1831 5100 0008 0067 1222 415 swift/BiC: Cepafrpp831

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the Nice Côte d'azur airport Offering more services to make travelling easy on the day of your departure, you get as close as possible to the terminal with your car, meet an official airport valet at the marked drop-off point and they will collect the keys to your car and take care of parking it. on your return journey, you confirm your arrival time and head to the place where you left your vehicle on the outward journey to pick up your keys. Your vehicle will be waiting for you as close as possible to the terminal, 15 minutes after your landing.

The cost of your parking is included in the service fee, which starts at €25, including the first day of parking. The Nice Côte d'Azur Airport Parking Valet service is a big time saver and lets you travel with less stress!

The valet parking service is operated by the company Arwe.

frequent traveller?

The Airport Premier Club rewards you for every € spent and makes you feel like a very special passenger. what if you experienced the airport differently? That's what the Airport Premier Club offers you! The passenger club of the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport.

To take advantage of it, it is pretty straightforward: just register for free and download your membership card to your smartphone. Then accumulate loyalty points, or "CAPS", on each flight departing from Nice. It's simple and free. For members of the club, 1 euro = 1 CAP, and each purchase made in participating shops and restaurants or when booking car parks, VIP lounges on nice.aeroport.fr.

There are even more perks for the members of the Airport Premier Club. Travellers departing from Nice benefit from car parks with reserved spaces, queue-jumping, shopping discounts, VIP lounges and many more!

Information/Booking www.nice.aeroport.fr 

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id you know that the airport now has a valet parking service? To provide its passengers with ever more efficient, tailor-made services, Nice Côte d'Azur airport provides a valet parking service 7 days a week available in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. No more searching for spaces and rushing to your flight!

How does it work? From the nice.aeroport.fr website, specify your departure and return dates. The PARkING VALET welcomes you at a sign posted location.

INTRODUCING: C’EST FOU, ÇA! he Côte d’Azur is known around the world for being the playground of the rich. one of the reasons the rich love to play here (aside from the gorgeous surroundings and perfect weather) is because the region is equipped and trained to cater to their every desire.

In this new column, we feature some funny or crazy stories from people in the luxury services industry. Riviera Insider talks to locals who work

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in the yachting world, the luxury hospitality industry, caterers, private jet companies, event planners and more for some of the most bizarre and outlandish requests - the kind of things that make you think...c’est fou, ça! our first story comes from Julien Vivarelli, the Sales Manager of Premium Fly, a private charter agency in Monaco. “we had a couple request a private jet to fly to another country for dinner. Nothing strange in

that, but they insisted on bringing their rare-breed cat with them. we aren’t in the business of saying no, although you wonder what could happen to the interior if the cat gets scared! when they went to dinner, they left the cat in the plane. Then they returned and headed home.”

If you have a funny story to share, tell us about it! It may wind up in our next issue…

Email the editor: n.ruskell@riviera-press.fr

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2020 lUXUry liFestyle Charity Gala T u r n i n g

l u x u r Y

i n T o

c h a r i T Y

Animal Fund. Our annual galas have already raised €125,000 to date.

Held in the Salle d'Or Ballroom at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo on Saturday 4th April, 7 pm.

Everyone is welcome, you don't have to be a club member to join our parties.

Early reservations are recommended.

Book Tickets Online: www.clubvivanova-luxurygala.com

The glamorous evening will feature High On Heels, the ultimate live music experience with a Galerie Cristal Champagne aperitif, a four-course

gourmet Meilleur Ouvrier de France dinner, premium international wines, an haute-couture fashion show, live entertainment and a DJ will take us into the night with a Champagne & Vodka23 after party.

The highlight of the evening will be the Charity Auction and Contemporary Art Exhibition. All proceeds will go to the benefit of Chances for Children and The

Berit legrand

Bradley Mitton

Gabrielle Crump,

We are always honoured to work with Club Vivanova and their annual gala spectacle offers an important avenue for communicating the huge importance of preserving and protecting our oceans and marine life. TAF The Animal Fund needs funds to develop the education of our societies in how we can clean and save our oceans and we are grateful to Club Vivanova for their generous donations and their support at this wonderful gala.

We only achieve great things in life by giving back and our Luxury Lifestyle Charity Gala is organised annually to appreciate the best things in life, whilst offering attendees the chance to donate; raising important and lifechanging funding for our charities and we need your support.

The ongoing support that Club Vivanova offers “Chances for Children is priceless. As our charity

"Our Sixth Edition Luxury Lifestyle Gala will raise important and life-changing funding for the Chances For Children Foundation and The Animal Fund"

taF the animal Fund Founder

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Club vivanova Founder

“

”

Chances for Children Foundation Founder

grows, so do the running costs and the annual Club Vivanova Charity Gala raises vital finances that support and to help to pay for quality education, maintenance and the support of a growing number of sponsored children. The club’s members now sponsor six children in the Chances for Children Foundation family all-year round. We truly value this partnership which goes from strength to strength – and as a grass roots charity, donors can rest assured that every Euro donated goes directly to the children.

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COMMUNITY

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LEARN FRENCH IN THE HEART OF PROVENCE My personal experience as an expat understands your needs.

I offer you personalised and quality service with discretion.

S erenity Link BtoB/BtoC

Riviera Relocation

Sonia Le Bouthillier / Tel :+33 (0)7 81 18 63 56 www.slbrivierarelocation.com

Total immersion in French language and culture Intensive residential courses in the unique setting of an ancient monastery tucked away in the “Parc RĂŠgional du Verdonâ€?

1 or 2 week courses for adults, from April till October Daily 4 to 6 h of classes in small groups of level + 6 h informal practice of French Motivated international public, elementary till advanced level (A2-C1) Warm hospitality and gourmet cuisine, cultural activities and sports facilities Special programmes : French for expats, French and yoga, French and cuisine www.crealangues.com

+33 492 77 74 58

Golf Club

18-hole course | Pratice - Academy | Pro-Shop- Bar-Restaurant

Lieu dit “Claux-Amicâ€? - 06130 GRASSE TĂŠl. : 04 93 60 55 44 - Fax : 04 93 60 55 19 - E-mail : info@claux-amic.com www.claux-amic.com

HANDMADE ITALIAN SPECIALITIES

EXTENSIVE RANGE OF FRESH PASTA | WARM & WELCOMING SERVICE OPEN FOR LUNCHES & DINNERS Less than a minute from the Princely Palace of Monaco With an outdoor setting on Piaceta François Bosio

Restaurant Le Pinocchio • Tel. +377 93 30 96 20 30 Rue Comte Felix Gastaldi • 98000 Monaco

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Details:

60x45 mm ad for ₏250 the ad runs for two months. If you purchase a year’s worth of ads (6 issues), we will provide a small feature on your busines.

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COMMUNITY riviera

exPaT focus: nancY keresTeDJian

founder PETRA HALL p.hall@riviera-press.fr

rustic with the cobblestone streets. There is always a surprise around every corner, stunning views and it’s very medieval.

I also really like Mougins village. It is also very special to me personally because my when my children were growing up, every year we would go there to put wreaths on the war memorials, we would go the Christmas markets and the gourmet festivals. They have a great lookout point with a with a map of all the cities surrounding it.

It’s cosy and I love the Provençal traditions like the 13 desserts at Christmas, and they have the masse de minuit and vin chaud.

It’s a sentimental place.

Do you have any advice for someone just moving here? orn in Manhattan to B Armenian parents, Nancy was raised internationally, travelling the world and living in many US states. If you ask where she is from, she will say San Diego, the place she feels most like home. But it is Cannes that has been her home for the last twenty years. Her children grew up here and now that they have grown up and moved out, Nancy is enjoying a new phase of her life that is just for her - she is on her own and free to live her life as she chooses. “I was always someone’s wife or someone’s mother - now I’m just me,” she says with a sense of pride. Nancy’s new chapter is all about wine. Creating her own company, My wine Voyage, Nancy does local lectures and tastings of excellent wine and also plans tours of great wineries across France. “I always knew I wanted to do wine.” So she got her French diploma in education, studied under some of Frances top sommeliers and is now a member of several French associations. She has a lot of fun teaching people about wine. She has created fun cards with words for tasting notes saying it helps people not feel on the spot for describing wine and keeps it JanuarY / feBruarY 2020

enjoyable for everyone. Riviera Insider shared a coffee with this energetic, enterprising woman.

What was your most surprising thing when you moved here?

Not knowing so many details of the language was really a surprise. You can’t just order cheese! It’s really interesting because you’ve studied French, you have your sentences and you think can communicate.

Then you go to an open-air market and you want to buy cheese, but you don’t know any of the names of cheese and fromage, just isn’t going to do it.

Then you try to buy vegetables and you don’t know how to order anything because you’ve never seen grams! There are so many details. And it started an iceberg effect. I thought I knew a lot of things but I found out I knew very little. So I realised I needed to learn a lot more about France.

Quickly.

What is your favourite place in the region?

I have lots of favourite places, but when I want to surprise guests, I like to take them to Eze. It feels so different. It’s remote but still accessible, it’s chic but also

If you’re going everywhere by car, stop sometimes so you can walk more and see more things by foot. It gives you an opportunity to see more people find interesting boutiques. Go the extra mile to be connected with your community and the environment. I tell people, ‘you know, you can take the train to Monaco,’ and they bemoan it.

But on the train, you pass great places! ‘oh, Villefranche-sur-mer, that looks like a nice stop, next time I’ll get off there.’ So it’s a different experience than in the car.

What’s an insider tip you can share?

99.99% of the people I sell wine to are not able to spit. when I have a wine stand, I teach you how to do wine tasting, not wine drinking - you can do that on your own. when you go to a wine fair, you are there to taste - you can’t drink all the wine, you’ll get completely toasted!

If you are swallowing the wine, the experts will think you’re just a drinker. wine professionals watch people for cues on their relationship with wine. If we see you spit, we’ll know you know and we’ll talk a different language to you and tell you more about the wine. 

publishing Director SEBASTIEN FRAISSE s.fraisse@riviera-press.fr managing Director BICH LECoURT b.lecourt@riviera-press.fr editor-in-Chief NICoLE RUSkELL n.ruskell@riviera-press.fr Contributors Paula Bachmann, Alexa Bouhelier-Ruelle, Rui Ferreira, Sören Müller-Hansen, Sarah Hyde, Christine kjeldberg, Joerg Langer, Jean-Pierre Largillet, Rolf Liffers, Lewis Longman, Paul oataway & Aila Stöckmann Creative Director VINCENT ARTUS vincent.artus@wanadoo.fr advertising & pr FRANCoISE MULLER Tel: +33 (0)4 97 00 11 29 f.muller@riviera-press.fr PATRICE SAINT-LEGER Tel: +33 (0)4 93 27 60 00 p.saintleger@riviera-press.fr MoRGAN REIVILLo Tel: +33 (0)7 66 38 43 55 m.reivillo@riviera-press.fr event manager DoMINIQUE FREULoN Tel: +33 (0)4 97 00 11 22 d.freulon@riviera-press.fr secretary CARoLE HEBERT contact@riviera-press.fr Manuscripts and photos will not be returned unless previously agreed.

Articles do not represent the opinion of the Editor. The publishing house is not responsible for the correct contents of ads. © 2015-2020 by Riviera Press s.a.r.l.

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